What is a presumptuous sin?
Let’s look at the verse that directly speaks of presumptuous sins. Psalm 19:13, “Keep back thy servant also from PRESUMPTUOUS SINS; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
The Hebrew word for ‘presumptuous’ is ‘zêd’ and means arrogant or proud. Although this is the only time that the word presumptuous is used in the KJV, the Hebrew word is used 12 more times. Each time, it is translated as ‘proud.’
Let’s read this verse in the New Century Version, which makes the meaning a little clearer. That says, “Keep me from the sins of pride; don’t let them rule me. Then I can be pure and innocent of the greatest of sins.” In this psalm, David is referring to himself, calling himself as a servant of God. Realizing the power and the danger of pride, David asks the Lord to preserve him from such sins.
“Don’t let them rule over me…” How well David knew this type of sin would seek to rule in his life. They would try to bring him into subjection to the lusts of the flesh. How important it is that we must guard ourselves against unnecessary exposure to temptation and. Do you think you are above some sins? Do you think there are temptations you can endure and not be tempted to sin? What pride we exhibit when we allow ourselves to believe that there are certain sins we would never commit…no matter what. That is the very definition of presumptuous sin!
Notice how that David, realizing and acknowledging his helplessness over sin, prays! He gives this care to the Lord as we are instructed to do in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” This is where our power to overcome temptation comes from…when we seek the Lord’s strength.
We are assured in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” We are not helpless when we turn to the Lord. When we depend upon Him, the Lord will always “make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Let us be dependent upon the Lord to overcome all temptations that come our way. We CAN resist these temptations when we rely upon the Lord Jesus. (CC) (515.6)