Pride

In full voice I railed against a clerk of low estate,
denouncing as stubborn and slothful to all and sundry,
one to whom I had set a small task.

Thinking myself in the right and esteemed by my listeners,
puffed-up bluster continued to issue from my mouth until,
turning, I saw the target of my wrath.

His quiet, simple words--"The job is done."--left me undone and,
too late, I learned the value of prudence.

Line count: 8
Verse/Prompt: A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. [Proverbs 29:23 KJV]