A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23.

Man may lift himself up in pride and boast of his power, but in an instant God can bring him to nothingness. It is Satan’s work to lead men to glorify themselves with their entrusted talents. Every man through whom God works will have to learn that the living, ever-present, ever-acting God is supreme, and has lent him talents to use—an intellect to originate; a heart to be the seat of his throne; affections to flow out in blessing to all with whom he shall come in contact, a conscience through which the Holy Spirit can convict him of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.^{54The Youth’s Instructor, March 28, 1905.}

Pride, ignorance, and folly are constant companions. The Lord is displeased with the pride manifested among His professed people.^{55Testimonies for the Church 4:634.}

Parents, … it is easier for you to teach your children a lesson of pride than a lesson of humility.^{56Testimonies for the Church 1:134.}

Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who … takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can cooperate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls…. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission, and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail….

The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness.^{57The Desire of Ages, 436, 437.}

Solomon was never so rich or so wise or so truly great as when he confessed, “I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.” ^{58Prophets and Kings, 30.}