The nature and depth of human pride are illuminated by comparing boasting to self-pity. Both are manifestations of pride. Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, 'I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.' Self-pity says, 'I deserve admiration because I have suffered so much.' Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be so needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego. It doesn't come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride. Christian Hedonism severs the root of self-pity. People don't feel self-pity when suffering is accepted for the sake of joy.
John Piper

Monthly Archives: March 1994

What Is The LXX

What Is The LXX QUESTION: What is the LXX? ANSWER: A figment of someone's imagination. EXPLANATION: First, let's define what the LXX, also known as the "Septuagint," is supposed to…

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What Is A Ruckmanite

What Is A Ruckmanite QUESTION: What is a "Ruckmanite?" ANSWER: "Ruckmanite" is a name Bible critics call anyone who disagrees with them. EXPLANATION: Peter Sturges Ruckman was born in 1921.…

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What About A Contradiction

What About A Contradiction QUESTION: What about a contradiction that can't be successfully explained? ANSWER: You will have to accept the perfection of the Authorized Version by faith. EXPLANATION: Many…

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Two Lies

Two Lies The Two Lies By Daryl R. Coats Since Satan first asked Eve, "Yea, hath God said?", hundreds of lies have been told about the Bible. Most "fundamentalists" have…

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