BILLY GRAHAM

DEAR DR. GRAHAM: Why does the Bible say that it’s wrong to have pride? If we don’t have confidence in ourselves and take pride in our work, we’ll never do anything worthwhile. Personally, I think pride is a good thing.

— S.C.

DEAR S.C.: It’s not necessarily wrong to take pride in our work, or in something else we’ve done well; the Bible urges us to be diligent and do our best. The Bible says, “I know that there is nothing better for people than to ... find satisfaction in all their toil — this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

But when we take all the credit for our success and begin to think that we’re better than everyone else — then pride turns into something poisonous. This is the kind of pride God condemns, because it puffs us up and makes us think we’re better than we really are. It blinds us to our faults; it also cuts us off from others, because no one likes a cocky, arrogant person. The Bible warns, “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7).

But most of all, pride cuts us off from God. Why turn to God and humble ourselves before Him, if we think we don’t need Him but are sufficient in ourselves? We become like the proud Pharaoh in ancient Egypt who enslaved God’s people and told Moses, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord” (Exodus 5:2).

Don’t take credit for your abilities. Instead, humbly thank God for giving them to you, and make it your goal to use them for His glory. Most of all, by a simple prayer of faith submit your life to Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28201; call 877-2-GRAHAM, or visit the website for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.