Pride plays no favorites. It cripples and ripples without regard to position, power, or past. Just ask King Saul.

That being true, here are seven diagnostic questions that will help us gauge and measure the depth of pride in our life.

Collectively, these can act like a thermometer, helping us see how high our pride fever is overall. Individually, each one can be answered on a spectrum, which can be helpful in determining specific areas where pride wants to take root for all the wrong reasons.

These questions are developed from specific situations in the digression of King Saul’s life, a life summarized by David in five words found in his lamentation over Saul in 2 Samuel 1:17-27: How the mighty have fallen!

Q1: Do I overemphasize the externals, and am I consumed with the opinion of others? (1 Sam. 8-10, 13, 15)

Q2: Am I unwilling to admit I was wrong? (1 Sam. 13, 15)

Q3: Am I unwilling to accept help, and instead isolate myself in jealousy? (1 Sam. 18)

Q4: Am I unwilling to share credit or give praise? (1 Sam. 18, 20)

Q5: Do I make excuses for disobedience? (1 Sam. 13, 15, 19, 22, 28)

Q6: Am I unwilling to genuinely repent and say I’m sorry? (1 Sam. 13, 15, 24, 26)

Q7: Do I manipulate circumstances and situations for my own benefit? (1 Sam. 14, 22, 28, 31)

*For more about each question, watch the latter portion of my message on 2 Samuel 1 from Sept. 10, 2017.