The words feet and hand almost always symbolize power and authority throughout the Holy Bible. They indicate that whatever is under the feet of something or someone is also subject to it.
A few examples of this can be found in the following scriptures: Psalm 8:6 states, Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet. Psalm 47:3 says He shall subdue the people under us and the nations under our feet. Also, Psalm 18:38 says, I have wounded them that they could not rise; they are fallen under my feet.
In all the above scriptures, it is clear that the expression of the word feet suggests subduing, possessing authority over something or someone, or the mere exercise of power and control.
With this understanding in mind, I began to analyze Psalms 36:11, which says, "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."
Before we scrutinize this passage, let us understand the word pride to gain an expanded sense of the entirety of this scripture. Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one's dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether cherished in the mind or displayed in conduct.
In this scripture, David, the author, seems to be asking God not to let the power of pride control or subdue him. In simple terms, the foot of pride is actually the power of self! Even though pride is rarely admitted, it has incorporated in itself the power to not only possess an individual but make him/her believe that he/she is above others, that he/she is subject to no one, and that everyone else must bow to them.
When the spirit of pride enters someone, their thinking changes. Their thoughts are mainly about themselves and become superior to the thoughts, feelings, opinions, and ideas of others.
The foot of pride automatically makes one a controller and an oppressor. The reason is that their ideas, thoughts, opinions, and feelings are the only ones that matter and should be acted upon. So, the best way to execute this must require the ability to gain absolute power and oppress the opinions, thoughts, feelings, and ideas of others. The Bible tells us that pride is accompanied by shame, according to Proverbs. 11:2. this is so because no one person knows everything. Therefore, error becomes inevitable for the one under the power of pride. Surprisingly, whenever the spotlight is removed from this person, they become childlike and do everything they can to direct all attention back to them. Their favorite tools to achieve this objective are manipulation, intimidation, and domination.
When wrapped up into one, the above three tools produce the term witchcraft. Witchcraft, in its most straightforward understanding, is the ability to make others do what you want them to do via manipulation, intimidation, and domination. This principle is applicable in the natural and spiritual sense and is most successful for those who operate under the influence of the power of pride. Unfortunately, these folks become very dangerous because they will only stop at something to win or achieve. Their sense of shame and the views of others have no basis; therefore, what is clearly foolish to the world makes complete sense to them again because it's all about winning for them.
Only by pride comes contention, Proverbs 13:10. I was surprised when I discovered this scripture because it suggests that pride is the root cause of all contention. So, the obvious solution would be to remove the foot or power of pride, and contention would cease. Folks who possess this spirit are literally bound with spiritual chains, Psalms 73:6, which implies they are physically accessible. However, they are mentally imprisoned by their selfish, high-minded ideas and opinions, which incidentally leaves no room for the thoughts and ideas of others.
King Solomon said, "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, and this same pride will make the path clear for their destruction" Proverbs 14:3,
The workplace has always been a nest for the foot of pride to run its course. Many employees and co-workers have been victims of this stubborn evil. However, aside from pride being the core of contention on the job, I have also discovered that it is the subliminal instigator of jealousy. Jealousy always arises when one feels that they should have the best or be the best than those around them. When this sense of inferiority begins to surface in the pride-filled person, intense jealousy is the next move, and they utilize victimization, condescending words, spreading rumors, etc., all to devalue the person they're jealous of.
I have witnessed folks, by way of pride, leave their jobs, spouses, family, etc., only to be brought to shame and disgrace in the end. Again, King Solomon said, "A man's pride shall bring him low," but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. We are also told by the Bible that God resists the proud. The word resists means to oppose, withstand, or strive against. I think it's safe to say God wants no communication with the proud because, just like Satan, he will eventually reject God's plan and want to implement his own.
My dear readers, I beg you to reevaluate yourself and ask God to assist you in ascertaining if the foot of pride has come upon you. This is vitally important because you could behave in a way that may seem wise but unwise to others. Pride is a deceiving, conniving spirit that makes one believe they are always right, causes one to behave unseemly, and consistently rejects proven sound advice. These are all the perfect ingredients for failure, with a topping of shame and disgrace.
Many today only wish they had dealt with this pride issue before their demise. I am sure some right now are reading this article who have experienced the demands that the foot of pride has placed upon them, only to reap a harvest far below their expectations.
The 9th verse of Psalm 36 refers to something quite remarkable. It says, "For with thee (God) is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see more light.
I pray that you immerse yourself in the fountain of life, which is the word of God, and in his light, which is life (John 1:4), you will receive and achieve a greater understanding of the life he has purposed for you.
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the light of the world. This day, I stand in the authority you gave me to subdue the foot of pride in every reader of this article. I command the spirit of pride to leave your people and to be instantly replaced with the spirit of humility. Thank you, Father, because according to faith, I am convinced that every spiritual chain that has held them bound has been broken in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
