Arrogance

Webster’s College Dictionary defines arrogance as 1) An offensive display of superiority or self-importance, 2) Overbearing pride, 3) haughtiness.

These negative traits are inherent in human nature and the reason we were expelled from Paradise: [2:34-6] When we said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam,” they fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused, was too arrogant, and a disbeliever.   We said, “O Adam, live with your wife in Paradise, and eat therefrom generously, as you please, but do not approach this tree, lest you sin.”   But the devil duped them, and caused their eviction therefrom. We said, “Go down as enemies of one another. On Earth shall be your habitation and provision for a while.” 

Our egos caused us to be arrogant.  And our arrogance allowed us to be duped by the devil.  Dupe is defined as to deceive, fool, trick, or gull (cheat).  We were truly duped by Satan and continue to be duped by him, despite knowing he is our most ardent enemy.     

[7:22 & 27] He [Satan] thus duped them with lies. As soon as they tasted the tree, their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise.

Their Lord called upon them: “Did I not enjoin you from that tree, and warn you that the devil is your most ardent enemy?”  … O children of     Adam, do not let the devil dupe you as he did when he caused the eviction of your parents from Paradise, and the removal of their garments to expose their bodies. He and his tribe see you, while you do not see them. We appoint the devils as companions of those who do not believe.”

We earthly human beings are tested. Pharoah’s  people were  tested and given a chance to believe. 

[7:130-3] We then afflicted Pharaoh’s people with drought, and shortage of crops, that they may take heed.   When good omens came their way, they said, “We have deserved this,” but when a hardship afflicted them, they blamed Moses and those with him. In fact, their omens are decided only by GOD, but most of them do not know. They said, “No matter what kind of sign you show us, to dupe us with your magic, we will not believe.” Consequently, we sent upon them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood―   profound signs. But they maintained their arrogance. They were evil people.”

They thought they were too smart to be duped by magic, but they were duped by their own arrogance.   We humans are arrogant and gullible (easily duped).  Satan is constantly whispering negative and unrighteous whispers to us.   He wants to divert us from God’s straight path.

Whisper is defined as 1) To speak with soft, hushed sounds using the breath but with no vibration of the vocal cords.  2) To talk softly and privately, often implying gossip.

Whispering is Satan’s specialty. [7:200] When the devil whispers to you any whisper, seek refuge in GOD; He is Hearer, Omniscient. 

[23:97-98] Say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. “And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.” 

[41:36] When the devil whispers an idea to you, you shall seek refuge in GOD. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.” 

We cannot prevent Satan from whispering to us, but we can seek refuge in God every time he does whisper to us. 

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