"That's something to be proud about," a dealer told us twice.
We really didn't think so, and quietly said so. But many players might have made it a "pride point." In fact, our new home is not far from "Pride Parkway" - a section of Kentucky State Highway 16 that leads to a Pride Park. We're not sure how those places received their names. But they're places we'd rather avoid - at least spiritually. Why?
When pride comes, then comes disgrace.... - Proverbs 11:2
Pride only breeds quarrels.... - Proverbs 13:10
A man's pride brings him low.... - Proverbs 29:23
When the Bible talks about pride, it's usually not a good thing. We heard a Christian radio preacher note the other night that Luke 14 is a chapter completely about the perils of pride. We'll let you read it, and see if you can find the reasons why he said that.
Back at the poker room, we added a few words for the dealer about the alternative to pride. The Bible speaks of that, too:
...But with humility comes wisdom. - Proverbs 11:2b
...But a man of lowly spirit gains honor. - Proverbs 29:23b
We've written here before that poker is a game that keeps you humble - or, at least, it should. How many players have bet the farm on pocket Aces, only to see an opponent with pocket 4's or worse crack them with three of a kind?
One of Jesus's apostles put it this way....
...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. - I Peter 5:5-6
We think that means you shouldn't sit down in a poker room with a head bigger than the table. Or to put it another way, don't get stuck in Pride Park!
If we're blessed by God to have any tournament success at all, we give the praise to Him - maybe not always at the table, but certainly here.
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