To be puffed up means to be proud. The word proud can be used positively - you can be proud of being Christian, you can be proud of being a father or mother (proud mum/dad), you can be proud of your spouse, you can be proud of
your kids, you can be proud your country, race or state of origin.
However, the “proud” (puffed up) that is being referred to is the one associated with arrogance or pomposity - the feeling of selfimportance. Being puffed up and being boastful seem similar but there is a difference — while the former is a feeling of self-satisfaction over one’s own accomplishments or possessions, the latter is the expression of that feeling. When a person is proud, you can tell from the person’s mentality and attitude but when a person is boastful, you
know through the person’s speech and conduct.
A proud person cannot love — a person that sees himself as better than others or superior to others is incapable of loving other people. God hates pride, He wants his children to be humble:
- “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble.” - James 4:6 (KJV)
- “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of a God, that he may exalt you in due time.” - 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV)
- “The lofty looks of a man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” -
Isaiah 2:11(KJV)
- “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
- “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” - Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
The kind of love that God wants us to extend to others is selfless love - one that cares about the feelings of others, one that treats others with respect. A person whose love is not puffed up sees the needs of others as important as his.
True love is modest.