greed noun \ˈgrēd\
- the selfish desire to have more of something
- placing the love of things above the love of God and neighbor
Synonyms
- avarice
- covetousness
- craving
- stinginess
Antonyms
- contentment
- generosity
- happiness
- thankfulness
Holy Scripture
- A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. [Proverbs 28:25]
- “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15]
- I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of … greed … not even to eat with such a one. [1 Corinthians 5:11]
- I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [Philippians 4:11]
- Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: … covetousness, which is idolatry. [Colossians 3:5]
- Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. [1 Timothy 6:6-8]
- Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [Hebrews 13:5]
Prayer
- Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #195 Against the Love of Money]
pride noun \ˈprīd\
- the selfish belief that you are more important or better than other people
- an exaggerated opinion of oneself
- the root of all sins
Synonyms
- arrogance
- conceit
- haughtiness
- smugness
Antonyms
- gentleness
- humility
- meekness
- restraint
Holy Scripture
- Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. [Proverbs 8:13b]
- Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [Proverbs 16:18]
- “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” [Matthew 23:12]
- “From within, out of the heart of man, come … pride … All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” [Mark 7:21-23]
- For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment. [Romans 12:3a]
- Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant, [1 Corinthians 13:4]
- Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [Philippians 2:3]
- People will be lovers of self, … proud, arrogant, … Avoid such people. [2 Timothy 3:2-5]
- “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” … As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. [James 4:6, 16]
- Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, … Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. [1 Peter 5:5-6]
Prayer
- O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #216 For Humility]
