"Seven Deadly Sins" # 4 PRIDE

This Illustration was used to depict PRIDE in it's negative aspect. Negative PRIDE can be described as; A vain or" high" sense of one's personal status or ego which leads to judgments of another persons  personality,character or possessions. 

     PRIDE, as one of the "Seven Deadly Sins"  is one which causes people to think the are "extra special" due to some physical trait, their position, financial wealth and or their intelligence.  Physical attractiveness is desirably [like having a "head of beautiful white hair"], being respected for who and what you do is great [like being a really cool retired guy], having money is good [as long as it is a tool and not a "god"], and having a high IQ is important [if your trying to get in Med School].
PRIDE is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and the source of the others. It is identified as a desire to be more important or attractive than others, failing to acknowledge the good work of others, and excessive love of self.Vanity- is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or attractiveness to others.Conceit- A regarding of oneself with undue favor. Both of these words in common usage are synonymous with PRIDE in it's unfavorable context. It is simple to see how PRIDE can be a source of the other Seven Deadly Sin, for example the first three we have examined- WRATH or anger; a Prideful person gets angry when others do not acknowledge their superiority or when there position is challenged. They are GREEDY with what they do have for fear that someone would have soothing that they do no have, and they are often SLOTHFUL or lazy as they feel the world owes them a living.
        Having looked at PRIDE in it's negative aspects we want to realize that one must have PRIDE but not be PRIDEFUL. We have concerns today about people not having PRIDE in America, we talk about people without any personal pride, we tell young adults to accomplish this or that so they can have something to be PROUD of. When my Grandchildren accomplish specific tasks, in school, sports, Scouts or some other activity I tell them they should be proud of themselves and that we are proud of them. We can be PROUD that they are just good and decent people [in the "world" today that is quite often a lot to declare].
       It can be challenging to identify or establish the fine line between being proud of ones accomplishments and positive traits and being PRIDEFUL. I am fortunate that my Children and their Children have inherited my Fathers humble nature. I beleive we should be self confident , knowledgeable of our positive traits while being able to admit our faults, it is OK to be brilliant without being boastful, clever without cunning and kind but not condescending.

       

IT IS OK TO BLOW YOUR OWN HORN JUST DON'T BLOW EVERYONE ELSE AWAY.

Four down three to go, stick around, you may learn something, you never know.