Psalm 119:21

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed,
which do err from thy commandments.
~ Psalm 119:21

The proud are contrasted with the stranger in verse 20. The strangers, the pilgrims, are humbled in their circumstances. They are not home. They are searching, longing. The proud are not longing. It’s the nature of pride to think they have need of nothing. With no longing, they have no expectation of grace. Rather, they are rebuked and cursed. They do not find favor.

Peter wrote of the proud:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
– 1 Peter 5:5-7

Pride is an abomination to God (Proverbs 6:17). He does not reward it with favor. It is a root of sin and a source of many evils in life. Pride leads to strife, discontentment, envy, bitterness, and hatred.

Pride leads to erring from God’s Word. Pride is the opposite of humility and isn’t teachable. Pride leads us to conclude our own thoughts and ways are right (Proverbs 12:15; 16:2; 21:2). Pride leads to self-righteousness and ultimately to Hell if not repented of (Luke 18:9-14). Heed the rebuke.

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