The Danger of Pride: What Brought Paul to His Knees

Paul had built a name for himself. He ran a successful construction company, served as a deacon at church, and led a weekly men’s group. He gave the right advice, said the right prayers, and never missed a Sunday. Everyone respected him. But inside, something had shifted.

He didn’t see it yet — but the man everyone admired was drifting further from the God he claimed to serve.

He didn’t recognize when pride crept in — it was too subtle. It sounded like confidence, looked like leadership, and disguised itself in compliments. The more people praised him, the more he needed it. His prayers got shorter, his temper got shorter, and his grace for others evaporated.

At home, his wife began pulling away. She said he never listened. His teenage son said he was “always preaching but never present.” Paul brushed it off — told himself they were ungrateful. After all, he was doing everything right. Or so he thought.

The breaking point came one Sunday when a young man in the group gently challenged something Paul said. It wasn’t disrespectful — just honest. Paul exploded. He mocked him, shut him down, and ended the meeting early. What followed was silence. Then the texts started. Some men left the group. Others told the pastor. His image was cracking.

That week, the pastor invited Paul to lunch. He didn’t rebuke him — just read Scripture. “They will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud... having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Paul laughed nervously until the pastor quietly said, “That verse isn’t just about the world. Sometimes, it’s about us.”

He built his whole life on strength — until God showed him what surrender really looks like.

It hit him like a punch to the soul. He wasn’t walking in power. He was performing in pride. He wasn’t leading like Jesus — he was building a platform. That night, he went home, sat in the garage, and wept for the first time in years.

He didn’t resign from everything. But he did repent. He called the young man and apologized. He opened up to his pastor about the pressure he put on himself. And he started showing up to group — not to lead, but to listen.

Paul still runs his business. Still goes to church. But now, his prayers are longer — and quieter. He doesn’t need to be the guy everyone praises. He just wants to be real. The respect he has now? It’s different. It’s not for his reputation. It’s for his honesty.

When asked what changed, Paul says it simply: “I learned the danger of pride. And I’d rather walk humbly than stand tall and fall hard.”

Where does pride most often sneak into your life?

• In how I lead others
• In how I hide my struggles
• In needing approval or recognition
• In thinking I’m further along than I am