| Don Francisco Home Page Article Home Page  |
|
Rocky Mountain Ministries Articles
|
|
.
|
Don and Wendy Francisco
This phrase can have some truth in some cases, but as a rule it is a myth.
First of all, the word "invert" means to turn upside down or inside out. Shyness is therefore not inverted pride. If anything, it is inverted boldness. So, from an English standpoint, the phrase makes no sense.
The word "shy" can mean a variety of things. It can mean "timid" or "fearful", or " cautious" or even just bashful. So, not all meanings of the word "shy" are negative. But let's assume the coiner of this phrase, meant to say "timidity is a manifestation of pride". Not all meanings of the word "pride" are negative. The word, "pride", can mean the good feeling that comes after a job well done. But the most common connotation of pride is a downward look at others. Timidity is not necessarily related to pride in the slightest.
Timidity is negative, but overcomeable. I could agree that timidity is a self-protective inhibition resulting from inexperience, bad experiences, or lack of faith. If the Lord prompts you to do something which requires faith, then timidity will be a problem. God often asks us to step into situations that could be potentially harmful or embarrassing in the natural. So if timidity inhibits anybody, then it would be a good thing to pray for boldness.
People who bless others with this sometimes insulting and hurtful phrase need to think twice about whether a quiet person really is shy. Maybe they are just quiet. Maybe they just don't like you.
The phrase, "Shyness is inverted pride", is not in the Bible. It is inaccurate and certainly will not help a truly shy person towards any solutions.