Proverbs 16:18-25 In Proverbs, pride is exalting oneself above God and others, which leads to destruction through foolishly ignoring God’s wisdom and authority. – Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 1) Social media gives more opportunities for classic proud boasting 2) Smartphones subtly make us falsely feel like gods (being omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent) 5 recommendations for a humble use of tech. 1) No self-promotion 2) Look at the stars 3) Never split attention 4) Post motivated by love 5) Sabbath from smartphones

Sermon: The Sin of Pride and the Wisdom of Proverbs in the Age of Smartphones

Introduction

• Opening Question: Who here has a smartphone? Even if you don’t, the principles of God’s wisdom apply universally.
• Context: Smartphones are pervasive, shaping how we live and interact. This sermon explores how the wisdom of Proverbs addresses the sin of pride in our use of smartphones, using the framework of the seven deadly sins.
• Purpose: To apply the timeless wisdom of Proverbs to modern technology, starting with pride, and to encourage humility rooted in the fear of the Lord.

I. The Nature of Pride in Proverbs

• Definition: Pride in Proverbs involves exalting oneself above others and God, often ignoring His commands and wisdom.
  • Proverbs 16:18 (ESV): “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
  • Proverbs 11:2 (ESV): “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
  • Pride is linked with evil and foolishness, opposing God’s ways (Proverbs 8:13).
• Characteristics:
  1. Self-Exaltation: Thinking oneself above others, being “stuck up” or high-minded.
  2. Opposition to God: Ignoring God’s authority, leading to sin and folly.
• Consequences: Pride leads to destruction and disgrace, as it separates us from God’s wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).

II. Pride and Smartphones

• Cultural Observation: Smartphones amplify pride by tempting us to feel omniscient, omnipresent, and self-sufficient, echoing Satan’s lie to Eve: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).
• Examples of Pride in Social Media:
  • Self-Promotion: Posting to boast about achievements, intellect, or status (e.g., sharing reading lists or photos to impress others).
  • Name-Dropping: Highlighting associations with influential people to elevate one’s image.
  • Illusion of Omniscience: Relying on smartphones for instant answers, fostering a false sense of knowing everything, which diminishes reliance on God.
• Personal Reflection: The pastor confesses to past prideful posts on social media, such as boasting about reading or posing with notable figures, recognizing how these reflect a desire for self-glory rather than God’s glory.

III. The Gospel and Humility

• Central Truth: While humility is essential, salvation comes through God’s grace alone, not our efforts to avoid pride.
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
• Pride’s Danger: Pride insulates us from grace by preventing us from kneeling at the cross. Jesus said, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, ESV).
• The Narrow Gate: Salvation requires humility, like a child passing through a low gate (Matthew 18:3-4). God welcomes all who bow before Him.

IV. Smartphones and the Subtle Shift of Pride

• Cultural Shift: Smartphones subtly change how we perceive ourselves and the world, fostering pride in imperceptible ways.
  • Illusion of Control: GPS apps make us feel we always know where we are and where we’re going, reducing reliance on God as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, ESV).
  • Illusion of Omniscience: Access to Google or AI creates a false sense of knowing everything, undermining the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
  • Illusion of Omnipresence: Social media and virtual experiences make us feel present everywhere, diminishing awe for God’s creation.
• Consequence: These illusions make us forget our human limitations and God’s greatness, leading to folly (Proverbs 13:20).

V. Five Practical Suggestions for Humble Smartphone Use

1. Avoid Self-Promotion:
   • Proverbs 27:2 (ESV): “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”
   • Refrain from posting to boast about achievements or to seek validation.
2. Look at the Stars:
   • Step away from screens to marvel at God’s creation, remembering His greatness and our smallness (Psalm 8:3-4).
3. Never Split Attention:
   • Honor people made in God’s image by giving them full attention, not dividing it with your phone (Matthew 22:39).
4. Post with Love:
   • Ensure posts are motivated by love for God and neighbor, not self-glorification (Mark 12:30-31).
5. Sabbath from Smartphones:
   • Take breaks from technology (e.g., one hour daily, one day weekly, one week yearly) to focus on God and reflect on human limitations.
   • Example: The pastor shares how turning off his phone revealed his dependence on it for knowledge, reminding him of his need for God.

VI. Conclusion

• Call to Wisdom: Smartphones are tools, not masters. We must use them with humility, rooted in the fear of the Lord, to avoid the pitfalls of pride.
• Reminder of Grace: No matter our failures, God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us, not our social media posts or discipline.