Affliction I
Poverty and affliction take away the fuel that feeds pride. (Richard Sibbes, 17th century Anglican theologian)
Sibbes was probably not promoting poverty and affliction as circumstances of life to be desired. Rather, he was emphasizing the danger of thinking that wealth and its benefits are the results of one’s personal achievements. That would certainly lead to pride, a trait that offends others and leaves great emptiness. It certainly displeases God, as well.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)