Introduction: The Oldest Sin in the Room

No one thinks this book is for them.

That’s the danger of pride—
it’s the only sin that defends itself while being named.

Lust feels like shame.
Greed feels like hunger.
But pride?
Pride feels like righteousness.

It hides in your best qualities.
It dresses up as wisdom, discernment, success, even humility.

This book is not about them.
It’s not about the narcissist in your office,
or the loudmouth on social media.
It’s not about your political enemies,
or the self-centered generation that came after you.

It’s about you.
And me.

It’s about the quiet pride that creeps into churches,
families, relationships, ministries.
It’s about the way we protect ourselves with appearances,
seek control when we feel small,
and build lives that subtly say:
“I will be like God.”

Why This Book?

Because pride is at the root of every sin.
Because it was the first sin,
and it may be the last one we notice in ourselves.

Because we can sing songs about surrender,
quote verses about humility,
and still serve our own kingdoms—
even while claiming His.

This book is a mirror.
Not a magnifying glass to examine others.
Not a telescope to look into the world.
A mirror.
One you’ll want to throw down
and one you’ll be glad you picked up.

It’s not written from a mountaintop,
but from the ground.
I’ve seen what pride has done in me—
how it hides in virtue,
how it strangles joy,
how it robs God of glory.

And I’ve seen what happens when the mirror stays up long enough:
God lifts the humble.
Always.

What You’ll Find

Each chapter explores a different angle—
where pride hides,
how it grows,
who it hurts,
and how it can die.

You’ll walk through Scripture.
You’ll meet kings, prophets, Pharisees, and everyday people
who look a lot like us.

You’ll trace the path from Eden to Calvary.
From self-exaltation to foot-washing.
From pride to praise.

You won’t leave this book feeling good about yourself.
You’ll leave it feeling right with God.

And that, friend,
is far better.