“Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.” – Proverbs 16:5-6 NASB95

“According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.” – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

I. Pride: The Root of Sin

Pride is a universal struggle that lies at the root of much sin. It elevates the self above others and, ultimately, above God. In doing so, pride disrupts relationships, fosters deception, and leads to spiritual ruin. The Bible consistently warns against pride, labeling it an abomination to the LORD. It is not a trivial character flaw but a direct challenge to God’s sovereignty.

A prideful person seeks to exalt themselves at any cost. This self-exaltation often comes at the expense of others, creating a trail of broken relationships and unresolved conflicts. Pride blinds individuals to their own shortcomings while magnifying the flaws of others. It is the complete antithesis of humility, which seeks to elevate others. Before I was regenerated, The heart of my entire life’s focus was on Me.  I was selfish, and I would sin against my friends and family if it brought me satisfaction.  Naturally I was a hedonist in my mind, because everything was about me. 

Pride also manifests through blame-shifting. When things go wrong, the prideful refuse to accept responsibility, instead directing fault toward others. This refusal to acknowledge failure reflects an unwillingness to grow or change, perpetuating cycles of conflict and denial. I can remember as a child often blaming my siblings, blaming my parents, blaming my teachers for my failures.  This was evil and wrong, because in my own heart I refused to see my own evil.

Perhaps most destructively, pride thrives on lies and manipulation. Prideful individuals craft false narratives to protect their fragile egos, often forcing others to accept their distorted version of reality. Over time, they may even believe their own fabrications, further distancing themselves from truth and humility. As an unsegregated person, I often told lies to manipulate and control people.  Truth had no place in my heart, I was focused on me. It’s no wonder Scripture warns that pride leads to destruction.

II. Atonement: The Ultimate Resolution to Pride

God, in His holiness, cannot overlook the sin of pride. Proverbs 16:5 makes it clear that the proud will not go unpunished. Yet, this stern warning is followed by hope in Proverbs 16:6, which reveals the antidote to sin: lovingkindness and truth. These divine qualities offer the only resolution for a prideful heart.

The concept of atonement underscores the seriousness of pride. Atonement is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God. Through His lovingkindness and truth, God provides a way to cleanse the prideful heart and restore broken relationships. This is not merely a change in behavior but a deep, transformative act of grace.

Lovingkindness, or “chesed,” is a selfless, covenantal love that seeks the good of others. It stands in direct contrast to pride. Where pride exalts self, lovingkindness elevates others. It requires humility and a willingness to serve, reflecting the character of God Himself. Without lovingkindness, pride remains unchecked, wreaking havoc in every sphere of life.

Truth is equally essential. Pride thrives in an environment of deception, but truth dismantles the lies that protect the prideful heart. Truth confronts reality head-on, no matter how uncomfortable. It aligns us with God’s nature and brings freedom from the bondage of self-deception. Together, lovingkindness and truth pave the way for atonement, pointing us to the ultimate expression of these qualities: Jesus Christ.

III. Regeneration: The Transformation from Pride to Humility

When a person encounters Christ, their prideful heart is transformed. This process, known as regeneration, replaces the heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 captures this promise: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” This transformation is not superficial; it reaches the very core of who we are.

Regeneration begins with breaking the bondage of pride. The prideful heart resists humility, but the Holy Spirit works to convict us of our sin. This conviction is the first step toward repentance. Recognizing the depth of our pride and the need for salvation humbles us, opening the door for God’s transformative work.

As pride is broken, it is replaced with lovingkindness. The regenerated heart reflects God’s character, exhibiting compassion, selflessness, and a genuine love for others. This change is not merely behavioral but spiritual, as the Holy Spirit enables us to live out the qualities of Christ.

Regeneration also cultivates a love for truth. Where pride once relied on lies to maintain control, the renewed heart seeks authenticity and integrity. The Holy Spirit fosters a deep desire for God’s Word, which becomes the foundation for living in truth. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel, which turns prideful rebels into humble servants.

IV. The Contrast Between Pride and Lovingkindness

Pride and lovingkindness are diametrically opposed. Pride seeks to exalt self, while lovingkindness seeks the good of others. This stark contrast highlights the depth of Proverbs 16:6: “By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for.” Lovingkindness not only counteracts pride but also transforms the heart that caused it.

A prideful person prioritizes their own needs and desires, often at the expense of others. They are quick to criticize and slow to forgive, creating an atmosphere of tension and division. Lovingkindness, on the other hand, seeks to restore and rebuild. It fosters unity and reconciliation, breaking down the barriers pride erects.

Truth further exposes the lies pride relies on. Prideful individuals craft false narratives to maintain their image, but truth dismantles these illusions. It forces a confrontation with reality, leading to genuine repentance and growth. Truth, when coupled with lovingkindness, becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

This contrast demonstrates why lovingkindness and truth are the foundation for atonement. They address both the external manifestations of pride and the internal heart condition that drives it. In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of these qualities, offering hope to even the most prideful among us.

V. Jesus: The Embodiment of Lovingkindness and Truth

Jesus is the ultimate expression of lovingkindness and truth. As John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” In Jesus, we find the fulfillment of Proverbs 16:6.

Jesus’ earthly ministry was marked by lovingkindness. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and showed compassion to the marginalized. His actions were not driven by obligation but by genuine love. This selfless love stands in stark contrast to pride, which seeks to serve self.

Truth was equally central to Jesus’ mission. He declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” His teachings exposed the lies of pride and self-sufficiency, offering a path to freedom. Truth sets us free from the bondage of sin, including the lies pride tells us about ourselves.

On the cross, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of lovingkindness and truth. He took upon Himself the punishment for our pride, offering atonement through His blood. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” In Jesus, we see the power of lovingkindness and truth to overcome even the deepest sin.

VI. The Role of the Fear of the LORD

Proverbs 16:6 concludes with a profound truth: “And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.” This fear is not terror but reverence—a recognition of God’s holiness, justice, and authority. It is both the beginning of wisdom and the result of experiencing Christ’s work in our lives.

The fear of the LORD keeps us grounded. It reminds us of our dependence on God and our inability to save ourselves. This reverence guards against arrogance, leaving no room for pride. When we acknowledge God’s greatness, we are humbled, allowing His truth and lovingkindness to shape us.

Reverence for God also encourages righteous living. The fear of the LORD compels us to reject the evil behaviors associated with pride and pursue humility, love, and truth. This transformation is not self-wrought but flows from the Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in obedience.

Ultimately, the fear of the LORD is a response to the gospel. When we understand the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice, we are filled with awe and gratitude. This reverence leads us to worship and to live lives that reflect His lovingkindness and truth.

VII. Personal Reflection: Jesus Loved a Prideful Man Like Me

The truths of Proverbs 16:5-6 become profoundly personal when we consider our own sin and the grace of Jesus. Pride is not a distant problem; it is a struggle we all face. Yet, Christ’s lovingkindness and truth reach even the most prideful heart.

Jesus loved a prideful man like me. I remember a time when I manipulated a situation to make myself look better at the expense of a friend. My pride drove me to lie, to shift blame, and to avoid accountability. Yet, even in those moments, Jesus pursued me with His lovingkindness and truth, breaking down my heart of stone and replacing it with humility and love for others. Despite my rebellion and arrogance, He pursued me with compassion and grace. I recall a specific moment when I felt completely overwhelmed by my failures, especially in how I treated those closest to me. My selfishness had caused hurt, and I knew I couldn’t fix it on my own. Yet, through His Word and the encouragement of a faithful friend, Christ gently reminded me of His love and forgiveness. It was in that moment I realized His grace was sufficient to cover even my worst mistakes, and it moved me to repentance and a deeper desire to live in His truth. He took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh, replacing my bondage to pride with a love for His truth. I vividly remember a moment when my arrogance and need for control caused immense strain in my life. I had refused to admit I was wrong, holding onto my pride even as it hurt those I loved most. Through God’s Word and prayer, I felt convicted of my sin, and His truth pierced through my defenses. That was the turning point where Christ replaced my pride with humility, enabling me to seek reconciliation and walk in truth.

This transformation is not my doing; it is the work of Christ. His blood atones for my sin, and His lovingkindness and truth brought me into His family. I remember vividly how, in moments of complete brokenness, I would cry out to Him, and He would meet me there with unwavering grace. He didn’t just erase my guilt—He gave me a new identity as His child. Through His sacrifice, I am no longer defined by my prideful past but by His redemptive work, a testament to His mercy and love.  

The Fear of The Lord after His work of atonement and regeneration, keeps me from Evil.  The work of the Holy Spirit, a Co-equal person of the Godhead, dwells with me, guides me, and opens my eyes to discernment.  I have a friend who was telling me yesterday It’s God and only God who can guide us through dangerous situations in our lives.  He protects us from evil, but our reliance on Him for the little decisions as much as the big decisions guides our steps.