God has a plan for creation. His ultimate intention is for every person to praise and worship him, giving him the honor and glory that he alone deserves.

The psalmist put it this way: May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you (Psalm 67:3-5).

We study God's word -- that is, we have theology -- so that we can learn more about him; that knowledge should then lead to praise of God -- that is, doxology. The more we know about God, the more we are compelled to worship and praise him, awestruck at his greatness.

One of the reasons for missions -- for spreading the Gospel -- is so that verses like Psalm 117:1 will become a reality: Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. As we share theology (knowledge) of God, that should lead to doxology (praise) of God.

Pride can be blinding. It is possible to become so prideful and haughty that a person doesn't even recognize his or her own pride.

Such pride leads to disgrace: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2).

Likewise, someone who is prideful thinks that he or she knows everything; such a person refuses to receive correction or instruction. Proverbs 13:10 says, Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Furthermore, pride leads to and causes destruction: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). This is because proud people are blinded to reality -- the reality of their sins.

Therefore, admit that you have a problem with pride, because otherwise God will be obligated to show you that you have a pride problem. God may have to humble you by humiliating you.

With all these verses in the Bible warning us not to be prideful, it is no surprise that a man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor (Proverbs 29:23).