In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus gives us a parable that shows clearly what the sin of pride looks like, as well as its counter virtue of humility.

“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity–greedy, dishonest, adulterous–or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This Pharisee, quite proud of his own holiness, is not unlike many of us today. Prosperity comes fairly easily in our culture, and we have a tendency to pat ourselves on the back with each new accomplishment. We are very quick to point out our successes, and very slow to mention the source of all the good that comes to us.

In addition, it’s very unpopular today to admit our own faults. We’re all individuals today, free to do as we wish, with no objective moral standards. There is no right and wrong. We Catholics, many of us prideful and self-righteous ourselves, rarely go to Confession where we can humble ourselves before God.

So what’s wrong with a little pride? Often the word pride is used to indicate that someone tries their best at something. “He shows pride in his work.” If someone is working to the best of their ability in order to make the best use of their God-given gifts, and in order to glorify God, I wouldn’t call that pride. I would call that an inspirational act of good faith. On the other hand, if an individual strives to do their best work in order to receive personal accolades, or to try and merit a promotion, or for an ego boost — that would be prideful.

Pride, even in small doses, leads to a self-centered view of life. It takes our focus from God and places it on ourselves. We like the feeling of self-satisfaction that comes with a little pride, and so we often continue to grow more prideful. Pride can be a grievous sin. It cuts us off from the grace of God. It’s an ugly side of our fallen humanity, a side that is more evident today than it ought to be.

Humility, the virtue in which one must grow to become less prideful, is not easily achieved. Look for the small things in life. When something stumps you or confuses you, look at that as an opportunity to recognize your shortcomings, but be grateful for all of the other areas in your life where God has gifted you. A penitential practice of withholding your opinion once in awhile can lead to humility. Recognizing that not everyone needs to hear everything that you have to say is a very humbling experience. Becoming a gracious loser is a difficult, but rewarding act of humility. Work to be truly happy for your opponent even when you’d prefer to come out on top.

Pride is the ultimate source of all the other Deadly Sins, and one to be avoided. Look at yourself honestly. Have you been prideful? Visit your local priest for the healing grace of God, found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation!