Being haughty means being scornfully and condescendingly proud. This is a sin. Pride may appear in many forms. Some of the more common are pride of race, spiritual pride, and pride of riches. Jesus denounced pride in race (Luke 3:8).
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector was directed at those guilty of spiritual pride, the ones who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9). The tax collector in Jesus’ parable who was humble was justified before God rather than the spiritually proud. ” Jesus promised, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
James warns the rich against the temptation to be lifted up with pride because of their wealth. “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.” (James 1:9-11)
The “lamp” refers to prosperity and life. (20:20) Elsewhere it is also equated to my eyes. (20:27) “Your eye is the lamp of your body,” Jesus said. (Luke 20:34) My proud soul is presented to others through my glare. The “lamp of the wicked” is therefore that which they take pride in. This is my secret sin revealed. Self, beware of the hidden that is condemned and so change your ways.
