"Proud and arrogant person—'Mocker' is his name—behaves with insolent fury."
— Proverbs 21:24 (NIV)
Have you ever seen someone literally "turn up their nose" at another person? It's a physical gesture—but spiritually, it's a declaration of pride. The haughty sniff, the lifted chin, the disdainful glare—it all says, "I'm better than you."
In God's eyes, this is not merely a bad attitude. It is a sin of arrogance, deeply offensive and spiritually dangerous.
🔥 Pride Stinks to God
Pride was the sin that led Satan to fall. It's the poison that blinds us to our own faults while highlighting the flaws of others. And it often starts subtly—like when we look down on someone's appearance, background, intelligence, or even their faith.
A prideful spirit says:
"I'm too good for them."
"I don't need correction."
"They don't deserve my respect."
But Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." — James 4:6
The proud may smell like perfume to the world, but they are a stench in the nostrils of God.
👃 Application: Humble Noses Lower, Not Lift
Jesus never turned up His nose at the broken. He sat with sinners, washed feet, and welcomed the outcast. As followers of Christ, we must do the same.
When you feel the urge to "snub," remember:
The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
No one is beyond grace—including the person you're tempted to despise.
A proud nose hinders your prayers and your witness.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." — Philippians 2:3
🙏 Prayer Against Prideful Arrogance
"Lord, forgive me for the times I've looked down on others—whether with words, actions, or even silent thoughts. Teach me to see others as You see them. Humble my heart. Let my life be a fragrance of grace, not pride. Lower my nose and lift my spirit, so I may walk in humility and honor You. In Jesus' name, Amen."