PRISONER EXPRESS

Pride is a word that has been utilized since the time of Moses. It is a word that also conveys various interpretations. What is pride? And why is it a perilous mental state?

To determine the accuracy of my usage and interpretation of pride let us refer to its usage in the time of Moses. In the King James Version of the Holy Bible we find the following statement in Leviticus 26:19, "and I will break the Pride of your power..." Now, let us analyze the original word used in the Hebrew text (Leviticus is a part of the Torah, which was dictated in Hebrew.

As set out in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (Appendix number 1347) the Hebrew word used in said verse was gâ'ôwn (gaw-ohn') and is translated as arrogance.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4 says "Charity (love)...is not puffed-up (proud)." It is not the self-satisfaction that renders pride as being peril. It is the potential for one to become so enthralled and captivated by his or her excellence that he or she becomes conceited. Webster's Dictionary defines arrogance as being an "over-bearing manner." Thus, it is when one becomes a nuisance that he or she has deviated from an acceptable mental state of satisfaction of his or her achievements. The arrogance is what makes pride a perilous state of mind. Proverbs 11:2 says, "When pride cometh, then cometh shame, but with the lowly is wisdom." Therefore, it is by wisdom of our experiences that we shall flourish and not become complacent. As an Aspirant has a supreme motive to those whom are no student of any discernable school of knowledge. That supreme motive shall be an ardent desire to benefit humanity, entirely disregarding self in order to work and assist others.

Once one has realized the peril of pride and understands its connotations only then is he not ignorant of his or her mental impetus. For, the man who realizes his ignorance has taken the first step toward knowledge. And in said knowledge we find that it is a result of not merely our own efforts that we are able to attain a certain level of knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding; but, it is by the combined efforts of our own and he or she who hath revealed it to us and paved the way for our achievements today. Therefore, let no man or woman become arrogant in his/her mentality lest he or she bring the negative out of others.

Hopefully, one may take the seed of what I am dictating and understand that pride only breeds self-destruction in due time. Be joyful in your achievements, but not conceited. Be content in your discoveries, but not arrogant--and thereby, you will avoid the perilous mental state of being proud.