Hearts Hardened by Pride

“And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” – Exodus 7:13 (NKJV)

Pharaoh witnessed the power of God firsthand, yet his pride kept him from listening. Each time Moses and Aaron spoke God’s Word, Pharaoh resisted. What started as stubbornness became hardness of heart. Pride has that effect-it blinds us to truth and makes us cling to control, even when surrender would bring freedom. Pharaoh’s example reminds us of the danger of repeatedly rejecting God’s voice: the more we resist, the harder our hearts can become.

If we’re honest, we all have “Pharaoh moments.” Times when God nudges us to forgive, to let go of a habit, to step into obedience, and we say, “Not yet, Lord.” At first, it feels small, but over time, consistent resistance makes us spiritually calloused. The tragedy of Pharaoh’s story is not just his downfall-it’s that his pride kept him from experiencing the mercy and deliverance God was offering.

Pride convinces us that surrender is weakness, but in reality, humility opens the door to life. Scripture tells us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pharaoh resisted God and reaped destruction, but those who humble themselves before Him receive mercy, strength, and freedom. The soft heart is the one God can shape, guide, and use for His purposes.

So, where might pride be hardening your heart today? Maybe it’s in your relationships, in your willingness to forgive, or in your response to God’s Word. The good news is that God can soften even the hardest heart when we yield to Him. Don’t wait until pride costs you more than you can bear-choose humility now, and let His grace flow freely in your life.

Prayer:
Lord, keep my heart soft before You. Forgive me for the times I’ve resisted Your Word out of pride or stubbornness. Teach me to walk in humility and to respond quickly when You speak. May my heart remain tender, so I can always receive Your grace and walk in Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.