Pride comes before the fall: Why we easily give into temptation

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
Written By Luke Gilkerson
Categories: Lust - Fighting the Battle

Pride comes before the fall: Why we easily give into temptation

It has been called a “restraint bias”: people underestimate the strength of their urges in the face of temptation, and this leads to impulsive behavior.

A new study from the Kellogg School of Management, led by Loran Nordgren, examined how one’s belief in his/her ability to control impulses (greed, drug craving, sexual arousal, etc.) influenced responses to temptation. The study found that people in a “cold state” (not experiencing hunger, anger, sexual arousal, etc.) wrongly estimate the amount of temptation they will be able handle in a “hot state.”

What is the answer to this? Nordgren says, “The key is simply to avoid any situations where vices and other weaknesses thrive and, most importantly, for individuals to keep a humble view of their willpower.” As King Solomon wrote, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). The words of Jesus ring loud and clear: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

One of the benefits of accountability software for those who have been tempted by porn online is that it is a step in the direction of such humility. Admitting to yourself and others that you are prone to moments of weakness is important for maintaining a realistic view of your willpower and the strength of temptation.

The study will appear in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science.