The Dangers of Pride and Prejudice

What happens when we let emotions get the best of us?

Last year I read Jane Austen‘s phenomenal novel Pride and Prejudice, and then watched the 5-hour BBC mini-series. The book covers many important topics, notably the two that make up its name. It speaks to the dangers of both pride and prejudice, and shows what happens when you work to overcome them.

The Danger of Prejudice.

Naturally, one of the novel’s main themes is prejudice. Shortly into the book, Elizabeth, the main character, develops a negative opinion of Mr. Darcy. This occurs almost as soon as she meets him. To some extent, it was warranted, but I think she took it too far.

Throughout the book, Elizabeth continues to think poorly of Mr. Darcy, assuming him to be a terrible person – even when people tell her otherwise. She’s even willing to trust a man who is a known manipulator, solely because Mr. Darcy told her not to trust him.

However, her prejudice was not legitimate. Elizabeth accepted every possible reason for Mr. Darcy being a bad person, but dismissed any reports of him being good.

Only near the end of the novel was she able to realize the truth: she had been blinded by her prejudice. She had let her beliefs about Mr. Darcy be influenced by the wrong things.

The Danger of Pride.

On the other hand, Mr. Darcy let his pride get in the way of the relationship he sought with Elizabeth. Upon first meeting her, he delivers a prideful and snobbish comment, which sparks her prejudice.

Throughout the book, Mr. Darcy lets his pride influence his decisions, which causes repercussions for both him and those he loves. When he first proposes to Elizabeth, he lets his pride get the better of him, which leads to Elizabeth refusing his offer.

It was only after this that Mr. Darcy came to realize the problems behind his haughty demeanour, and strove to remedy them. If he hadn’t made this realization, it would have cost him a great piece of his future.

We must stay alert.

All too easily we can adopt an attitude of prejudice nowadays. So many of the terrible things that have happened in the world between different people groups have occurred because of prejudice.

People look at other human beings, see somebody different than themselves, and develop a negative opinion about them. Even though the Bible clearly says that everyone was made equally in the image of God (Galatians 3:28).

Pride is just as much of a danger. If we aren’t willing to be humble, or teachable, we will never improve. If we aren’t willing to swallow the hard truths, how can we expect to share Jesus’ love?

Do you want to know one of the reasons why today’s society doesn’t accept Jesus? It’s pride. Pride in what I have, what I’ve done, in my life. Why do I need God when I can do it by myself?

The solution?

God should dictate our emotions.

This is, simply put, the answer to so many of life’s issues. Our bodies were crafted by God, and so they belong to Him. As a result, our feelings and emotions should also belong to Him.

So if you’re struggling right now with prejudice, pride, or any other negative emotion, I’d highly encourage you to talk to God about it. Give Him those feelings, because only He can help fix the problem in your life. Only He can help you become the person you truly want to be.

It’s hard to get rid of long-standing feelings, I know. But with God, all things are possible. Just take a look at how Pride and Prejudice ended… (I won’t give spoilers).

If you trust God and talk to Him, He will do incredible things with your life. He can give you His peace, which surpasses all understanding. Let Him rule your emotions, because I assure you, He does a much better job.

Will you choose pride, prejudice, or peace?