Now here’s a word I think should make a comeback.
Overweening: showing excessive confidence or pride
Ernest Fremont Tittle’s book, The Gospel According to Luke, was published in 1951 and has been a veritable cornucopia of unfamiliar words. He used this gem not once, but twice in a span of three pages!
One instance describes the overweening Pharisee of Luke 18, exceedingly proud of his excellent behavior. He saw himself as an impeccable example of righteous living, when in fact pride itself was his downfall.
I’m sure you’re familiar with these Scriptures:
“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NLT).
“As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'” (James 4:6b).
Jesus said, “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).
May we be followers of Jesus known for our humility, choosing service over self-importance and consideration over condescension.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3
Overweening is an excellent word, but I don’t want to it live out!
Check out my Wednesday Words vocabulary expansion project, and join in the fun!
Write a post using the word “overweening,” then leave a link to your post in the comments below. I’d love to read what you write!
Lauri Hawley 