When you are under pressure, aspects of your character that you may normally be able to keep hidden come out. Saul is under pressure here, the people are panicking, Samuel doesn't seem to be coming, what is he going to do? In this pressurised situation two aspect of Saul's character come out - pride and religion. The pride that he shows is not arrogance, but taking matters into his own hands rather than do what God has asked. He took matters into his own hands - possibly to protect his reputation (he was the king, does he really need to wait around for Samuel), possibly because he couldn't wait for god's timing (despite specific instructions from Samuel in ch10). The pride also shows up when he is confronted about his sin by Samuel and gives his excuse - I saw, I thought, I forced myself. It was all evaluated by himself, rather than humble reliance on God.
Secondly, in doing the sacrifice himself, he is demonstrating a religious attitude that places the religious routines ahead of God Himself. In the same way that the Israelites in ch4 thought that the ark would save them instead of looking to the God of the ark, Saul thinks the sacrifice is what they need when actually it is God that they need. And God, as Saul will be told in a few chapters time, desires obedience more than sacrifice.
Where do I show pride by backing myself to sort a situation out or by justifying my actions? When do I rely on routines and rituals to "buy" me favour with God?
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