Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

Pride is extremely destructive.  Even deadly.  I've seen it happen so many times -- both in my own life and in the lives of others around me.  Pride = careers derailed, marriages wrecked, financial catastrophes, relationships ruined, lives snuffed out... Bad news.

My personal experiences with pride have brought me to the point where I really wonder if a person's level of pride / humility might even be THE single most-effective gauge of character -- the best indicator of a person's spiritual well-being.  I have conversations with potential church planters all the time, and I really feel like their level of pride / humility offers an effective glimpse into their chances, long-term.  From a management perspective, I know that I would take a person's level of pride / humility into consideration in hiring practices.  And I think the applications may go even further.  What makes a good writer?  What makes a good athlete?  What makes for effective ministry leaders?  What should I think (someday) of my children's dating prospects?

All I know is that when I see a person busting at the seams with pride / arrogance / cockiness / condescension -- I'm hitting the deck before the explosion happens in my face.