To assume is “to take for granted without proof; to suppose something as fact; to have haughty airs”1 which assumes a prideful stance that we “know” something about someone, a relationship, or a specific situation when we really do not understand at all.
Pride is such a subtle foe that sneaks into our thoughts, tempting us to judge someone based on a small moment in time.
“Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” ~Proverbs 16:18 WEB
“Proud,’ ‘Haughty,’ ‘Scoffer,’ are his names, who acts with insolent pride.” ~Proverbs 21:24 NASB
“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” ~Proverbs 26:12 NASB
In our relationships with others, God calls us to walk in humility and wisdom, and not to assume a haughty attitude toward them.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.” ~James 3:13-14 WEB
“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; no one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.” ~Psalm 101:5 NASB
May we choose to be gracious, kind and understanding towards people and believe the best and not assume the worst about them. Thankfully, the Spirit of God can assist us!
“But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness],” ~James 4:6 AMP
“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.” ~1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP
Let us believe the best of others and not assume the worst about their character. Let us choose humility, kindness and grace over pride, harsh treatment, and judgment. Kindness goes a long way!
Recommendations:
God Hears Our Cry – He Does Not Ignore Us – Strength with Dignity
Want Access to God? Jesus is the Way – Strength with Dignity
References:
1 Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from Websters Dictionary 1828 – Webster’s Dictionary 1828 – Assume
100 Bible Verses about Pride. Published by Open Bible. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from What Does the Bible Say About Pride? (openbible.info)
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631.
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is assume.
14 thoughts on “Assume is the Path to Pride and Destruction”
We do indeed assume from a place of pride, Lord give us all the ability to hear from you and to walk in humility.
Just popped in from #13
Pride can be so subtle, Heather, I agree with your prayer for humility and the willingness to surrender and follow Him.
Good point. It is usually pride that leads us to assume we know better than others or to assume things about others that we really don’t know. Grace is always a better choice. Visiting from FMF#16
So true, Kym, grace is a better choice!
I was proud and thought me brave,
above my fellows standing tall,
but truly I was just a knave
who had worked to earn his fall
from his peers’ bright adulation
to a quiet darkened pit;
eating crow because my station,
but that was not the worst of it
for I grimly chose to climb
back to where I’d been rejected,
and on gaining ground this time,
in new hubris I projected
the sins that brought my fall from grace
onto every other face.
I appreciate your perspective, Andrew! Ae you former military?
Thank you, Lisa, for this post and the song. “Let us believe the best of others and not assume the worst about their character.” May our lives be a reflection of His kindness.
I agree with your prayer, Joanne, may our lives be a reflection of His kindness and love.
I love the Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 13:4. It’s different enough that it catches the attention! Thank you for sharing your encouragement to live in humble love and mercy toward others. ❤️
FMF#17
I’m so glad you were encouraged, Lauri!
Amen. Thank you, Lisa. Pride really can be very subtle. Great Scriptures there. This psalm is sobering! – “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; no one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will I endure.” ~Psalm 101:5 NASB. #20
Pride can be very subtle, Dawn, and that Psalm is very sobering! May the Lord strengthen us in our inner man that we might humble ourselves before Him.
Liked “May we choose to be gracious, kind and understanding towards people and believe the best and not assume the worst about them.”
May the Lord help us, Sandra!