Poison of Pride

"The wicked... go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.  Their poison is like the poison of a serpent" (Psalm 58:3,4).  "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged... Pride goeth before destruction...  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:6,18,19).  "The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory" (Isaiah 23:9).  "Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth... But if any man love God, the same is known of Him" (1 Corinthians 8:1,3). 

The wicked, as soon as they're born,

Are liars until they have died. 

Like poisonous serpents they scorn

With venomous falsehood and pride. 

It's better to be with the lowly

Than be with scornful and proud,

Confessing our Lord who is holy

With knees that are gratefully bowed. 

The purpose of God is made plain

To answer all pride with destruction,

And all of its glory He'll stain,

Deriding its sinful seduction.

The knowledge received from above

Is given to those who are humble

To help the downtrodden with love

And lift those with mercy who stumble. 

The poison of pride should alarm

All those whom the serpent has bitten

Who seek to be free from its harm

By Christ who for sinners was smitten. 

O Lord, it exceeds comprehension,

As we have considered Your splendor,

The distance of Your condescension

You came to become our Defender! 

Lord, purge us from pride thus revealed,  

Since all of our sins are removed,

That we may be humble and healed,

Restored by Your grace, and reproved. 

O Lord, by Your wondrous salvation

The poison of pride may be purged! 

Now send us with this proclamation

To those whom Your Spirit has urged.