What It Means to Be Proud vs. Living by Faith
Have you ever heard the phrase, “His soul is not right within him”? It comes from the Old Testament book of Habakkuk, specifically chapter 2, verse 4. This might sound complicated, but it’s actually a powerful message about the difference between being proud and living by faith.
The Proud Person: Outwardly Strong, Inwardly Twisted
When the Bible says someone’s soul is “not right within him,” it’s talking about a person who might look good on the outside—confident, successful, or self-reliant—but inside, things aren’t as they seem. Deep down, this person is full of pride, arrogance, or selfishness. Their heart is not in tune with God. In other words, their inner life is crooked or corrupt, even if they or others think they’re doing just fine.
For example, the Babylonians in Habakkuk’s time were known for their pride and power. They trusted in themselves, not in God, and thought they could do whatever they wanted. The Bible often warns that this kind of attitude leads to disaster—remember the saying, “Pride goes before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)? It’s a reminder that relying only on ourselves can steer our lives off course.
The Righteous Person: Living by Faith
In contrast, the verse continues: “But the righteous will live by his faith.” This means that the person who is right with God doesn’t depend on their own strength, wisdom, or achievements. Instead, they trust God, even when times are tough or the future is uncertain. This kind of faith isn’t just believing in God once—it’s a way of life, a daily choice to rely on Him no matter what happens.
In Habakkuk’s day, this message was for the people of Judah, who were facing a scary invasion. God was encouraging them to stay faithful and trust Him, even when things looked hopeless. This principle becomes even more important in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul repeats it to show that being right with God isn’t about doing enough good things; it’s about trusting in Him—something that Christians believe is ultimately fulfilled through Jesus.
Why This Matters Today
· The Danger of Pride: Pride can make us think we don’t need anyone—including God. But it leads to a twisted inner life and, eventually, trouble. It’s wise to check our hearts and stay humble.
· Living by Faith: Real righteousness means trusting God in every situation. It’s active, not just a feeling. Faith shapes our choices and gives us strength when life gets hard.
· Faith vs. Works: Being right with God isn’t about earning it or ticking boxes. It’s about depending on Him, not ourselves.
· Perseverance in Hard Times: Just as Habakkuk was called to trust God during tough times, we are encouraged to keep our faith strong, even when things don’t go our way.
· Faith as a Way of Life: Faith isn’t a one-time thing. It’s ongoing—something that guides, sustains, and shapes us every day.
In Summary
“His soul is not right within him” warns about the emptiness and danger of pride, while “the righteous will live by his faith” encourages us to trust God with our whole lives. No matter what we face, choosing faith over self-reliance brings us into alignment with God’s will and leads us down a path of true life.
Minister A Francine Greenf
March 2026
afrancinegreen.com 