In the first article in this series on wisdom we learned that first and foremost, the wise man has a reverential fear before Almighty God. This sense of awe should naturally lead to humility. Satan's sin was pride (Ezek. 28:12-18, 1 Tim. 3:16). Man has an inclination to vaunt and exalt himself and Satan takes advantage of this laying many enticements before him to satisfy his foolish pride.

God condemns human pride. Consider the following. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. (Psalms 119:21) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look,…. (Proverbs 6:16-17) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

There are many examples of those who refused to be humble before God. Of course, Satan is at the top of the list. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:17) He enjoyed the privileges, beauties and wonders of being an angel of God, yet was cast down because of his great pride. Pharaoh is another example of one who paid and dear price for be haughty. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. (Exodus 5:2) We know that God gave him a very expensive lesson in answering his question. Pride cost him his first-born son and the first born of all Egypt. Like Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar was the leader of a world empire and fell to the pride that so often goes with such a position. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. (Daniel 4:30-31)

These and multitudes more fell to the sin of pride. Why? Because they failed to acknowledge God and to hold Him in due reverential awe. Simple observation and contemplation impresses upon one's mind the existence, power and position of Almighty God (Rom. 1:20). Those who fail to recognize this or, more often, are unwilling to acknowledge it, are without any valid excuse.

Do you wish to be wise? Then fear God and develop the humility that naturally arises from such fear. Then you will be in a position to take the next step in wisdom. Next time we will see that the wise man will listen.