Pride and Painted Toenails

“Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

 Do you enjoy having your toenails painted? I do. Especially in the summer when my feet are more visible. It’s fun to add a splash of color. Analiah, our 6-year-old, loves painted toenails. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. She just loves painting toenails!

One day Analiah asked me to paint my toenails. It was just before I headed out on a Missions Trip. I knew my feet would be visible. I’ll be totally honest, I hesitated. I really didn’t want her to paint my toenails. When Analiah uses nail polish, more than my toes get covered. But the look of anticipation on her face was one I couldn’t deny.

So, I responded yes. I also told Analiah that I would clean the nail polish off soon after. The Holy Spirit convicted me in a big way after that response. He whispered to my heart to get rid of my pride. I examined my heart and realized just how prideful I was being. My concern about how my toenails would look became more important to me than my daughter. I confessed my pride and asked the Holy Spirit to forgive me and help me to walk in humility.

With Humility Comes Wisdom

In our key verse for today, we read that with humility comes wisdom. My desire is to have wisdom rather than be filled with pride which leads to disgrace. As I let the Holy Spirit work in my heart, He did give me wisdom. I was able to enjoy the process of Analiah painting my toenails. Each toenail ended up being a different color. The pure joy reflected on her face was worth it all. I also apologized to Analiah for what I said and told her I would keep the nail polish on.

Afterward, I could honestly say I loved my toenails. Yes, my toenails were messy but the reason I loved them was that Analiah did it out of love. Later that month, I did go on that Missions trip with my toenails all different colors. The kids we visited ended up loving my toenails. It was fun to share the story and be reminded of God’s work in my heart to rid me of my pride.

What area of your life are you struggling with pride? Ask the Holy Spirit to make you more aware. God desires for you to walk in humility and have wisdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You for working in my heart to uproot my pride. I want to walk in wisdom instead of being led to disgrace. Holy Spirit, please continue to speak to my heart and make me more like You. I surrender to Your work in my life. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.