Exodus 10:5 They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields.
Today’s scripture has me going down a rabbit hole, looking into synonyms for pride. The top synonyms were all very positive, things like: self-love, confidence, self-esteem, dignity, honor, joy, and happiness. And pride can be a good thing, but if it keeps a person from seeing that their way isn’t the only conceivable way, that, to me, is problematic.
Exodus 10:6 They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians—something neither your parents nor your ancestors have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.’ ” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.
I was surprised that I had to scroll down the list a ways to find any synonyms with negative connotations, things like: arrogance, haughtiness, conceit, egotism. These all deal with the type of pride that Pharaoh is showing: “I am right. My way is the best way, the only way.” Sadly, I’m guilty of slipping into the trap of pride in my life, too.
Exodus 10:7 Pharaoh’s officials said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the Lord their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?”
Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that pride in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. Help me to remember that as long as I keep my ego in check, as long as I don’t slip into the trap of “I know everything. My way is best. I’m not listening to any other opinions,” pride can be useful in life. Please help me not to let my pride lead me away from You. Ever. Amen.
Exodus 10:8 Then Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. “Go, worship the Lord your God,” he said. “But tell me who will be going.”
Have a blessed day.