What Did Jesus Say About Pride

What does the Bible say about pride?

QuestionAnswer However, there is a distinction between the sort of pride that God despises (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we might feel over a work well done (Galatians 6:4) or the kind of pride we show over the accomplishments of loved ones (Proverbs 6:4). (2 Corinthians 7:4). The type of pride that comes from self-righteousness or conceit, on the other hand, is sin, and God despises it because it prevents people from pursuing Him. Psalm 10:4 reveals that the haughty are so concerned with themselves that their thoughts are far away from God: “In his pride, the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no space for God,” the Bible says.

They are people who understand their complete spiritual bankruptcy and their incapacity to approach God apart from God’s supernatural mercy (those who are “poor in spirit”).

Throughout the Bible, we are cautioned of the repercussions of having too much self-confidence.

He had the arrogance to seek to usurp God’s position as the lawful ruler of the universe for his own selfish gain.

  1. The future holds nothing but calamity for those who defy God and take their lives in their hands (Isaiah 14:22).
  2. Admitting sin and realizing that we can do nothing to inherit everlasting life in our own power is a perpetual stumbling wall for individuals who are proud of their achievements.
  3. In the scheme of things, what we say about ourselves is meaningless.
  4. What is it about pride that is so sinful?
  5. When we take credit for something that belongs to God alone and hold it for ourselves, we are showing pride.
  6. All that we have accomplished in this world would not have been possible without the assistance of God, who has enabled and sustained us.

Return to the page with the most recent Bible questions. What does the Bible have to say about arrogance?

10 Key Bible Verses on Pride

This article is a part of the collection of key Bible verses.

1. James 4:6

He, on the other hand, is more gracious. Accordingly, “God opposes the haughty, but grants grace to the humble,” as the Bible states. More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

According to Proverbs 3:34, people who are humble before God will have God’s grace offered to them (cf. also James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5). As in “God opposes,” this signifies that he will resist and send punishment since the haughty have chosen the praise and ways of the world, and therefore are behaving as God’s adversaries (James 4:4).

2. Psalm 75:4

It is my instruction to the arrogant, “Don’t boast,” as well as to the wicked, “Don’t hold up your horn;” Read More “Raise your horn,” the instructor says. Lifting the horn up (or “exalting” it) is a public display of authority (cf. 1 Kings 22:11; Zech. 1:18–21), and hence doing so is equivalent to making a public declaration of one’s might. It is God who cautions the godless not to raise their horn, and it is God who promises to raise the horns of the faithful. Lift up is a phrase that appears throughout the psalm (Ps 75:4, 6, and 10).

3. Jeremiah 9:23–24

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the wealthy man boast in his wealth, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth,” says the Lord. Because it is in these things that I take pleasure, says the Lord.” More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

As God instructs, the genuinely wise man (Jer. 4:22–23; Jer. 8:8–9; Jer. 9:12–14) is taught by God; he understands the reasons for Judah’s destruction but is pained and humbled by this realization; and as a result, he will not take pride in his knowledge and wisdom. In order to know God, one must first understand his unwavering love (covenant faithfulness), justice (just judgment), and righteousness (right behavior, esp.

In keeping his promises). See Exodus 34:6–7, Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:12–14, and Jonah 3:9–4:2 for further information. Paul addressed the Christians at Corinth with the advice “let him who boasts boast in the Lord,” which was derived from this passage (1 Cor. 1:31; 2 Cor. 10:17).

4. 1 John 2:16

For everything that exists in the world—the cravings of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—does not come from the Father, but rather comes from this world. More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

The warning against “all that is in the world” does not vilify the whole established order; rather, it is directed at the entirety of it (cf. Gen. 1:31). Rather, he provides instances (such as “desires of the body,” “lusts of the eyes,” and so on) of what the believer should avoid. Human desires are a part of God’s creation and are thus not intrinsically bad; but, when they are not guided by and toward God, they become distorted.

5. 2 Corinthians 10:12

Not that we would dare to categorize or compare ourselves with some of those who are extolling their own achievements. However, when they measure themselves against one another and compare themselves to one another, they are unable to comprehend the situation. More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

Despite the fact that his opponents describe him as “bold” and “strong” in his letters (2 Cor. 10:1-2, 10), Paul does not dare to join them in their sort of self-recommendation; they are without understanding since their standard for bragging (one another) is incorrect. All of these factors are unimportant when it comes to establishing apostolic power in a church, and therefore the opponents promote each other on the basis of their talents, spiritual gifts, and life experiences.

6. Deuteronomy 8:2–3

Furthermore, you shall recall the entire journey that the Lord your God has taken you on throughout these forty years in the desert, in order that he may humble you by trying you to determine what was in your heart, whether you would fulfill his commandments or not. And he humbled you by allowing you to be hungry and feeding you with manna, which you were unaware of and which neither you nor your fathers were aware of, in order to teach you that man does not live by bread alone, but that man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Read the Commentary

Remember” is a crucial word in this chapter (see Deut.8:18), as is its antonym “forget,” which appears in Deuteronomy 8:11, 14, 19, and other places. Honor and respect are exhibited via obedience. The purpose of the desert test was to disclose the state of Israel’s innermost thoughts and feelings. This does not indicate that God was unaware of what was going on, but rather that he intended for Israel’s heart to show signs of submission. They were not pleased with Manna, which literally translates as “What is it?” (Ex.

  • 11:6; Num.
  • As a side benefit, the testing was intended to educate Israel that man does not live by bread alone, but that man does live by every word that comes from the Lord’s mouth.
  • To succeed in the country, Israel needed to have this lesson ingrained in its heart (Deut.
  • 8:17).
  • 4:4; Luke 4:4; see also Deut.

7. Mark 7:20–23

Furthermore, he stated that “what comes out of a person is what defiles him.” Because evil thoughts, sexual immorality, robbery, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deception, sensuality, envy, slander, conceit, and stupidity all emanate from inside and from the heart of man, respectively. Everything about a person is defiled since all of these wicked things emanate from within him or her.” More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

What comes out of a person is a replay of an earlier instruction of Jesus (Mark 7:15). In this section, he describes particular wicked thoughts and behaviors, as well as the traits of a filthy heart, in order to summarize his teaching from Mark 7:23: “All of these heinous deeds emanate from inside.”

8. Romans 11:18–20

Do not be conceited about the trees’ branches. If this is the case, keep in mind that it is not you who support the root, but rather the root that supports you. Then you’ll say something like, “Branches were broken off in order for me to be grafted in.” That is correct. They were severed because of their disbelief, but you have remained firm because of your faith. As a result, do not be proud, but rather dread. More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

Gentile Christians are cautioned against becoming conceited, because it was God’s redeeming promises (the root) rather than their own virtue that brought them to salvation. Consequently, Gentiles may be tempted to boast that God took the Jewish branches from the olive tree and grafted them into the olive tree in their place. However, this should elicit terror and awe (Gk.phobe, “to be scared, to have great regard and veneration, to be fearful of offending”), for the Jews were expelled because they refused to believe, and the Gentiles are only still here because they have maintained their faith.

9. Proverbs 18:10–12

Running into the name of the LORD is like running into a strong tower; the virtuous man is safe. A rich man’s riches is his powerful city, and in his mind, it is like a high wall separating him from the rest of the world. A man’s heart is proud before his destruction, but humility comes before honor. More information can be found at

Read the Commentary

When it comes to security, Proverbs 18:10–11 describes two categories (the LORD and riches), yet Proverbs 18:9 and Proverbs 18:12 mention two things that might bring about one’s demise (laziness and pride). Combined, these proverbs suggest that wealth may provide a false feeling of security that can lead to sloth, vanity and eventual demise, but that humility and the fear of God can elevate individuals to a higher level of success.

10. Proverbs 15:25–33

Even if the LORD destroys the house of the arrogant, he protects the limits of the widow. But courteous words are clean in the eyes of the LORD, but evil thoughts are abominations to him. A person’s own family will suffer if he is eager for unfair riches, but a person who despises bribes will live. But while the heart of the righteous ponders what to say, the mouth of the wicked spews out depraved words. However, while the LORD is far away from the wicked, he does hear the prayers of the upright in heart.

The ear that is open to life-giving reproof will be found among the wise in the world.

Honesty comes before honor in the presence of the LORD, and the fear of the LORD is instruction in knowledge.

Read the Commentary

In these proverbs, a comparison is drawn between two positions: the LORD opposes the haughty (Prov. 15:25), but he is close to those who behave in humility, motivated by a fear of the LORD (Prov. 15:26). (Prov. 15:33; cf. Prov. 15:25). According to Proverbs 15:24-32, the wicked’s arrogance is manifested in their: thinking (Proverbs 15:26), hunger for unjust wealth (Proverbs 15:27), destructive words (Proverbs 15:28), and reluctance to listen to reproof (Proverbs 15:29). (Prov. 15:32). These actions are diametrically opposed to the path of the righteous, which is characterized by: pleasant words (Prov.

  • 15:28), upholding justice (Prov.
  • 15:28).
  • 15: 31, Prov.
  • The Lord is far away from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the virtuous, which is emphasized in the center of this section (Prov.
  • The ESV Study Bible was used to write all of the commentary sections.

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50 Bible Verses About Pride (+ how pride steals your joy)

This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep the material on this site free for everyone. The path to disaster is paved with pride. However, as humans, we all battle with our sense of self-worth to some extent. Learn how pride may rob you of your joy. 50 Bible passages on pride that can assist you in achieving humility. It is my friend Alison Eskew who has penned these remarks, which she has posted on social media. I was so moved by them that I sought her permission to re-publish them here.

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How Pride Steals Your Joy

It was previously suggested that the root of the majority of stress is one’s own self-esteem. At first, I wasn’t sure I agreed with what she was saying. My frustrations and anxiety, after all, were rooted in legitimate concerns! However, as I looked more closely at those concerns, I noticed that pride was poking out from behind them. I was agitated more often than not because I was concerned about preserving a certain image – whether in the eyes of others or in my own. Alternatively, I was agitated because I believed that I deserved more respect than I was now receiving.

  • Over the past few months, I’ve felt the weight of pride weighing down on my chest.
  • In our quest to maintain our appearances, we are frequently left resentful, worn out, and egotistical.
  • “Pride leads to every other evil,” C.S.
  • What does it matter if I look good?
  • Please, instead of exalting the virtues of a stellar schedule or house or face or intellect or pantry or wardrobe or career, let my existence to hum with love, joy and serenity and patience and compassion and goodness and fidelity and self-control.

It is past time to uproot it and free ourselves from its yoke, so that we might really and abundantly live.

What is pride in the Bible?

When pride is discussed in the Bible, it is depicted as being harmful in nature. It is an attitude that exalts oneself over everything others and places one’s own significance above God. What it looks like to be proud is:

  • Not turning to God in your trials and tribulations and instead attempting to “do it yourself”
  • Believing that the blessings in your life are a result of your own personal abilities
  • Constantly worrying about what other people think of you
  • Wishing to be praised by others
  • Feeling frightened by others who are more skilled than you in a certain area
  • Having a strong need for other people’s attention
  • Finding fault with other individuals on a regular basis

A good example of this is seen in Proverbs 11:2: “When pride enters, then follows humiliation; but with the humble, there is knowledge.” The virtue of humility, on the other hand, is consistently praised by God throughout the Bible. Jesus made it a point to demonstrate its importance by washing the feet of his disciples and even humbled himself to the point of death on a cross for the sake of others.

50 Bible Verses About Pride

What does God have to say about arrogance? The Bible contains several passages that deal with pride, and I couldn’t possibly list them all here. However, I’ve selected some of the more meaningful ones and put them into categories for your consideration.

Verses on how God feels about pride

In Proverbs 8:13, it is said that “the fear of the Lord is the hate of wickedness.” I despise pride and arrogance, as well as the nasty and distorted style of speaking. James 4:6– However, he extends greater grace. Accordingly, “God opposes the haughty, but grants grace to the humble,” as the Bible states. Proverbs 16:5– Everyone who is haughty in heart is an abomination to the Lord, and rest confident that he will not go unpunished for his actions. Haughty eyes and a haughty heart, the lamp of the wicked, according to Proverbs 21:4– Sin is the lamp of the wicked.

  1. In the words of James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will elevate you.” Psalm 138:6– For while the Lord is exalted, he looks down on the lowest, but the arrogant he recognizes from afar, according to the scripture.
  2. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or brag; love does not act arrogantly.
  3. Proverbs 15:25 Psalm 31:23 – Love the Lord, all you his saints, with all your hearts!
  4. In Isaiah 66:2, the Lord proclaims, “All these things were created by my hand, and as a result, all these things came to be.” He is, however, the one to whom I will direct my attention: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my command.
  5. 1 Corinthians 8:2 (NASB) – If somebody believes that he or she is knowledgeable about anything, he or she is not as knowledgeable as he or she should be.

Verses about boasting

In fact, no one sees anything unusual about you. 1 Corinthians 4:7– For who is it who sees anything distinctive about you? What do you have that you didn’t get in the package? If you did receive it, why do you act as if you did not receive it by bragging about it? The Bible says in Luke 14:11 that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 that God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to reduce things that are to nothing, so that no human being would be able to boast in the face of God.

  1. Jeremiah 9:23 (NIV) The Lord says, “Let the clever man not brag in his knowledge, let the powerful man not boast in his strength, let the rich man not boast in his riches.
  2. If you did receive it, why do you act as if you did not receive it by bragging about it?
  3. ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, who are extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector,’ the Pharisee said as he stood alone in prayer.
  4. In 2 Corinthians 10:18, Paul says that it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but rather the one who is approved by the Lord.
  5. “Let the one who boasts make his boast in the Lord,” says 2 Corinthians 10:17-18.
  6. James 1:9–10, NASB– Let the poor brother take pride in his elevation, and the wealthy brother take pride in his humiliation, for he will pass away like a blossom of the field.

1 Corinthians 10:12– Therefore, everyone who believes that he is standing should exercise caution that he be brought down.

Verses on the consequences of pride

Proverbs 16:18– Pride precedes disaster, and a haughty mind precedes a fall, according to the Bible. Accordingly, because you are neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth, according to Revelation 3:16-17. For you claim, “I am wealthy, I have thrived, and I require nothing,” completely oblivious to the fact that you are destitute, pitiable, pitiful, blind, and naked. Psalm 101:5 says that whomever secretly slanders his neighbor will be destroyed. I will not put up with somebody who has a snobbish demeanor and an arrogant heart.

According to Proverbs 26:12, do you see a guy who is wise in his own estimation?

Isaiah 2:11– In that day, the proud appearances of mankind will be brought down, and the lofty pride of men will be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted.

The Lord of hosts has set a day against everything that is proud and lofty, against everything that is lifted up—and it will be brought low;Isaiah 13:11– I will punish the world for its evil, and punish the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.

Verses on pride in possessions

1 John 2:15-17 (NASB) Do not be in love with the world or the things that exist in it. If somebody loves the world, he does not have the love of the Father in him. As a result, everything in the world—the desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and a lust for material possessions—is not from the Father, but rather comes from the world. Also passing away with it is the world and all of its desires, but whoever does the will of God will be with him forever. Psalm 10:3-4 (NIV)– Because the wicked brags about the desires of his soul, and the one who is greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord, we must be careful.

1 Timothy 6:17– As for the wealthy in this day and age, exhort them not to be conceited, nor to place their hopes in the uncertain future of wealth, but rather in God, who lavishly provides us with everything we need to live comfortably.

Verses on thinking you are better than others

As a result of the gift bestowed upon me, I urge everyone among you not to elevate himself above what he ought to elevate himself, but rather to ponder with sober discernment, each according to the measure of faith that God has allocated. Romans 12:16 says that we should live in harmony with one another. Do not be conceited, but rather associate with those who are inferior. Never consider yourself to be smart in your own eyes. The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:3 that anybody who believes he is anything while he is nothing is fooling himself.

  • Philippians 2:3–5:3 Do nothing out of competition or conceit, but rather in humility acknowledge that others are more important than yourself.
  • Psalm 101:5 says that whomever secretly slanders his neighbor will be destroyed.
  • Galatians 1:10 – For am I now seeking the favor of men, or the approval of my Father in heaven?
  • As a servant of Christ, I would not be one if I were still attempting to satisfy others.

Make an effort to be humble toward one another, for “God opposes the haughty but grants favor to the humble,” as St. Paul says. I hope you found these biblical verses on pride to be helpful. Now, let’s dissect the notion of pride even further and do a more in-depth biblical study on it as well.

What causes pride?

Essentially, the refusal to recognize God’s sovereignty is the root source of pride. Pride, on the other hand, strives to elevate oneself above God, rather than acknowledging that God is in control and giving Him the honor for all things. Pride prevents us from acknowledging God, who is the source of all benefits. Having too much time to spend thinking about ourselves, talking about ourselves, or keeping a specific image can lead to a sense of self-importance. A self-perception that is too self-important does not offer happiness or calm.

How do I get rid of pride?

If you wish to overcome your sense of self-importance, there are a few actions you may take. I come face to face with this sin on a regular basis, and I have to fight against it on a continual basis.

1. Humble yourself.

First and foremost, according to James 4:10, you must humble yourself: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will elevate you,” the Bible says. Accept the fact that God is far more powerful than you are — there is no way you can ever understand His majesty. His resolve is unstoppable, and his strength is limitless. Everything you have is a result of His efforts. As you pray to God, extol His might and express gratitude for all that He has given you, remembering that all good things flow from Him, and that He is the source of all good.

2. Ask for help.

We require spiritual assistance in order to defeat the sin of arrogance. In your efforts to rid yourself of pride and embrace humility, pray for God’s assistance. In your prayer, ask Him to assist you in seeing through the lies you are believing and focusing on the truth. The next time you find yourself inclined to exaggerate your own importance, obsess about what others think of you, or act selfishly, recall your primary goal. It is to bring honor to God, not to yourself, that you are striving.

3. Set your mind on things above.

People pleasing, what others think of you, and how you can be more perfect to make yourself appear better are all things that will make your life unpleasant if you are continuously preoccupied with them. True happiness, on the other hand, can only be found in honoring God and leading others to Him in whatever you do. Keep Christ’s example in mind frequently, and meditate on the Scriptures and the cross as you go about your daily life. When it comes to humility, no one does it better than Jesus himself.

He humbled himself by becoming submissive to the point of death, even death on a cross, after being discovered in human form (Phil 2:5-8).”

4. Realize Whose Approval Really Matters

Having a positive view of yourself from other people is really unimportant at the end of the day. Why? Since you are already authorized by God because you are his kid. God, in His infinite wisdom, is pleased with you. What else does it matter? but you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light,” says the apostle Paul.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that “In fact, even the hairs on your head are all individually numbered. “Do not be concerned; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 (KJV)

ExamplesStories of pride in the Bible

There are several examples of people in the Bible who struggled with their sense of self-worth. Here are a few examples of those who stick out. Their desire for people in the church to think highly of their generosity drove Ananias and Sapphira to deceive the Lord by lying about how much they contributed to the Lord. As a kind of retaliation for their deception and sin of pride, they were killed. David and Bathsheba– David’s pride in not confessing his infidelity to Bathsheba prompted him to order the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband, as a punishment.

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Eve– Pride was at the foundation of the very first sin recorded in the Bible.

Because of her inflated view of herself and her reluctance to submit to God’s rule, sin was ultimately destroyed.

God foiled their schemes, confounded their languages, and revealed to them Who was in actual charge of everything.

Although we don’t know the specifics, he claims in 2 Corinthians 12:7 that “a thorn in the flesh was given to me in order to protect me from being conceited because of the surpassing magnificence of the revelations, a messenger of Satan was sent to bother me, in order to keep me from becoming conceited.” Do you have a problem with your self-esteem?

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14 Bible Verses about Pride

  • When pride enters, it is followed by dishonor, but when humility enters, it is followed by wisdom. To be afraid of the L ordis is to despise evil. I despise arrogance and conceit, as well as wicked behavior and strange words. Living in harmony with one another is essential. Maintain a humble attitude while being prepared to associate with persons in low positions. Never be arrogant
  • Instead, be humble. However, “let the one who boasts boast in the Lord,” says the Bible. Pride puts a person down, but the meek in heart win respect. Because it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but rather the one who is commended by the Lord. “Do not take his looks or height into consideration, for I have rejected him,” the L ord told Samuel, according to the Bible. The L ord does not pay attention to the things that people are interested in. Most people are concerned with the outer appearance, but the L ord is concerned with the heart.” Before a person’s demise, his or her heart is arrogant, but before honor comes humility. He went on to say, “What comes out of a person is what defiles that person.” Due to the fact that wicked ideas emanate from within, from a person’s heart, they include immorality in sexual relationships as well as theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deception, lewdness and other vices as well as hubris and foolishness. All of these ills originate within a person and corrupt him or her.”
  • As a result, everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world
  • God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him
  • Believers in lowly circumstances should take pride in their high position. The affluent, on the other hand, should take satisfaction in their humiliation, for they, too, will fade away like a wild flower. The King of heaven is now exalted and glorified by Nebuchadnezzar, who praises and exalts him for all he does and for all of his methods, which are just. And he has the ability to bring down people who are full of themselves. Instruct people who are wealthy in this present world not to be haughty nor to place their hope in riches, which is so insecure, but rather to place their faith in God, who abundantly gives us with all we need for our delight. If I give up all I own to the poor and subject my body to hardship so that I may be able to boast, but do not have love, I get absolutely nothing.

Bible verse of the day

The L ord hears the cries of the righteous, and he rescues them from all of their worries and tribulations. He is near to people who are brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Accept Cookies are used on this website.

The Sin of Pride According to the Bible

An unhealthy, exaggerated focus on oneself, as well as an inflated perception of one’s talents, accomplishments, status, or possessions are all manifestations of the sin of self-centeredness. Various authors have referred to pride as “the cancer of the spirit,” “the origin of all evil,” and “sin in its ultimate manifestation.” There are ten Hebrew terms and two Greek words that are commonly used to allude to it in the Bible. Pride, in its evil manifestation, is the polar opposite of humility, a quality that is highly regarded and rewarded by the Almighty.

The Sin of Pride

  • Excessive obsession with one’s own significance, successes, position, or assets is characterized by the sin of pride. This sin is considered rebellion against God since it transfers to one’s own person the praise and glory that only God is entitled to receive. Unlike humility, which is a character trait that God appreciates and honors, pride is the polar opposite of humility. The Bible constantly speaks of God bringing the haughty to their knees.

What Is Pride?

Throughout the Bible, pride is not always shown as a bad characteristic. It has the potential to convey a good connotation of self-worth, self-respect, and self-confidence to the listener. When addressing to the believers at Corinth, the apostle Paul expressed a positive feeling of pride, saying, “I have the utmost trust in you, and I take great pride in you.” Despite all of our difficulties, you have given me enormous encouragement and made me joyful” (2 Corinthians 7:4,NLT). When pride becomes overly self-centered and self-elevating, it crosses the line into sin.

  1. The biblical sin of pride refers to a lofty or exalted attitude, which is diametrically opposed to the virtue of humility, which is the proper position for individuals to adopt while dealing with God.
  2. Spurgeon, is “a sin that pervades all of life.” “Pride is so natural to fallen man that it rises up in his heart like weeds in a well-watered garden,” he explained.
  3. You may track down this fox and believe you have defeated it, only to discover that you have not.
  4. Those who believe they have none have the greatest sense of accomplishment.
  5. The notion of pride is frequently portrayed symbolically in Hebrew through the use of adjectives that imply height.

He must not be a new convert, or he may get puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Instead of being full with substance, the arrogant person is merely filled with air: (1 Timothy 3:6,ESV; see also 1 Corinthians 5:2; 8:1; 13:4; Colossians 2:18).

Why Is Pride a Sin?

Because it presumes to possess greatness and glory that belong solely to God, pride is regarded as a major sin and act of rebellion against God in the Christian tradition. In addition, most individuals are oblivious of their own arrogance: “You have been tricked by your own arrogance” (Obadiah 3, NLT). Because pride may be very deceiving, as the saying goes: “Pride leads to dishonor, while humility brings knowledge” (Proverbs 11:2, NLT). It paves the door for squabbling and disagreements (Proverbs 13:10).

People who are self-righteous believe that they do not need to seek for forgiveness from God since they are unable to accept or even recognize their immoral state.

Self-centered individuals treat others with scorn and cruelty: “Mockers are self-centered and conceited; they act with unbridled arrogance” (Proverbs 21:24, NLT).

Because pride keeps our gaze fixed on ourselves rather than on God Almighty, it is the most dangerous sin of all.

Pride in the Bible

Pride is included among the most egregious crimes in the Bible, including murder and adultery. Unrighteous persons who will suffer the wrath of God are described in Romans 1:30 as “backstabbers, haters of God, arrogant, haughty, and boastful,” according to the apostle Paul. “They come up with novel ways of committing sin.” Throughout the Bible, the Pharisees and other Jewish officials were characterized as being among the most arrogant individuals, who mistreated and talked down to those who were beneath their social status.

They like receiving courteous welcomes as they stroll through the marketplaces, as well as being addressed as ‘Rabbi.’ People who exalt themselves will be humiliated, and those who humble themselves will be exalted,” according to Matthew 23:6–12 (New International Version).

After the Lord restored his health, Hezekiah grew in confidence in his own abilities.

King Herod’s arrogance in embracing the people’s devotion and his refusal to give God the praise he deserved for his brilliance resulted in his downfall.

Toward the Prince of Tyre, the Lord replied, “In your great arrogance, you assert, ‘I am a deity!’ ” Although you claim to be god, you are merely a man who sits on a divine throne in the middle of the sea.’ But you are not a deity, despite your claims to be one.” (Ezekiel 28:2, New Living Translation).

  1. It is you, who once brought the countries to their knees, who has been flung to the ground!
  2. “I will climb above the summits of the clouds, and I will make myself like the Most High,” says the prophet.
  3. (NIV) “Pride precedes disaster, and a haughty attitude precedes a fall,” King Solomon once observed of himself (Proverbs 16:18, NIV).
  4. Israel grew conceited and lost sight of God.
  5. In James 4:6, we are told that God opposes the haughty, but that he shows favor to the humble.
  6. They will not regard anything as sacrosanct.
  7. They will be harsh and despise anything that is good.

Pride is listed as one of the seven things that God despises in the Bible: “There are six things the LORD despises, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who incites conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16–19, New International Version) People who love God and godliness do not take pride in themselves; those who fear the LORD will shun wickedness.

As a result, I despise arrogance and vanity, as well as corruption and deviant speech.” (Proverbs 8:13, New Living Translation) “I will not allow those who defame their neighbors in any way.

When it comes to the sin of pride, the Bible urges individuals to be honest with themselves: “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give everyone of you this warning: Don’t believe you are better than you actually are.

“Be honest in your assessment of yourself, judging yourself in light of the faith God has given us” (Romans 12:3, NLT).

Sources

  • The Altar of Sexual Idolatry (p. 126)
  • Tyndale Bible Dictionary (p. 1072, 1752)
  • Humility and Pride (p. 1072, 1752). Pride is found in the New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (electronic edition, p. 567)
  • The Lexham Theological Wordbook
  • And the Lexham Theological Dictionary. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 1327)
  • Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (p. 140)
  • Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained (p. 140)
  • Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained

What Does the Bible Say About Pride?

What does the Bible have to say about arrogance? Lucifer is the first and most egregious example of arrogance seen in the Bible. He was designed to be the most beautiful and powerful of all the angels, and he certainly lives up to that expectation. Because of Lucifer’s elevated position, God had a very unique mission for him to do. He was so far superior to all of the other angels that he sought to be God in his incarnation. His arrogance was the cause of his demise. I’m amazed at how you’ve descended from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!

See also:  Was Mary Married When Jesus Was Born?

I threw you to the ground; I paraded you in front of monarchs so they might feast their eyes on you.

What is Pride According to the Bible?

As the Living Word of God expresses it, pride comes before a fall in the same way that a haughty heart comes before a fall in the first place (Proverbs 16:18 ESV). Please keep in mind that self-directed pride resulting from conceit and outward pride aimed at the efforts or successes of others are two very distinct things in the eyes of the Lord. Knowing that self-centered pride is portrayed in a bad light throughout the Bible, and specifically in the book of Proverbs, is a given. This is due to the apparent reason that God despises it.

It is important to note that Paul’s pride or cause for boasting in this instance is not himself, but rather someone else, in this case the Christians of Corinth.

Being proud of someone else’s accomplishments is not prohibited by Scripture; we may also be proud of our participation in God’s Kingdom, and we can even take pride in the Lord’s actions of mercy and compassion.

However, when pride becomes self-centered, i.e.

Interestingly, in Proverbs 8:13 ESV, pride is accompanied by a few more characteristics that the Lord despises, which are: “arrogance and the path of wickedness” and “perverted speech.” Another passage that demonstrates the wicked character of pride is Proverbs 29:23 ESV, which states, “One’s pride will bring him down, but he who is low in spirit will win glory.” In Matthew 23:12 ESV, Jesus declares to the people, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Don’t imagine that you are more important than other people, particularly other Christians, since we are required to be humble.

The Bible says, “For anybody who believes he is something when he is nothing deceives himself.” Galatians 6:3 (New International Version)

What is the Root Cause of Pride?

The primary cause of pride is sin – our sinful nature, which we received from the first sinners, Adam and Eve, as well as our sinful nature as individuals. Adam and Eve were both overcome by pride, as described in great detail in Genesis 3, which also portrays the fall of mankind as a whole. Eve, on the other hand, did not succumb to the self-centered vanity and “do whatever you want” mentatility that seemed to appear out of nowhere. During her temptation, she was confronted by the snake, also known as Satan: “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, understanding what is good and what is evil.” 3:5 (Genesis 3:5) ESVE She disobeyed God’s order not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil because she was enraged by her own vanity.

We can only imagine how rapidly popular sayings like “nobody can tell me what to do” and “you can do anything you want” came to be after humanity fell prey to sin and the consequences followed.

Nonetheless, guided by internal self-centered vanity, they committed the original sin that resulted in the eventual doom of mankind, which would never be able to make up for its transgressions no matter how many animal sacrifices they offered up in sacrifice to the gods.

It is revealed in the Bible that Lucifer sinned and became Satan through demonstrating pride, as God says of Satan: “Your heart was haughty because of your beauty; you twisted your understanding for the sake of your grandeur.” Ezekiel 28:17 is a verse from the Bible that says ESV Despite the fact that this wonderful angel was infatuated with his own beauty and grandeur, he want to be as great as God the Lord.

Isaiah 14:13-14 goes into further detail on Satan’s pride-driven sin, which resulted in the revolt that took place in heaven.

It’s no surprise that the New Age movement deceives people precisely by appealing to their sense of self-importance and promising them they may become their own gods, just as the snake did in the Garden of Eden.

What Does the Bible Say About Overcoming Pride?

The Bible has a lot to say about dealing with pride, and the following are some particularly strong scriptures that might assist you in overcoming this sin:

All of Our Gifts are God-Given

“Can you tell me what you have that you did not receive?” What is your justification for acting as if you did not get it, when you clearly did?” 1 Corinthians 4:7 (New International Version) ESVT Consider this: have any of your talents, graces, and benefits come about only via your efforts?

Allow me to assist you – no, since only our Creator is capable of benefiting us in both the physical and spiritual aspects of our lives. We have absolutely no excuse to be arrogant, no matter how physically attractive or spiritually evolved we may be. We have nothing to be proud of.

The Lord Has Supreme Authority Over Everyone

“You completely turn the world upside down! Do you believe that the potter should be viewed as the clay, and that the thing produced should say of its creator, “He did not make me,” or that the thing formed should say of the one who formed it, “He has no understanding?” God is ultimately sovereign, and all of creation belongs to Him since He is the Creator of all things, both visible and unseen, according to Isaiah 29:16 ESV. God knows everything about you, including what you do and what’s in your heart.

Psalm 139:1-6 (KJV) ESVIt certainly assists me in allowing it to sink in and humbling myself before the Alpha and the Omega!

Justification by Faith Eliminates Boastfulness

“You have been rescued by grace through faith,” says the apostle Paul. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift from God, not a product of your efforts, so that no one can take credit for it.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version) We are saved by grace through trust in the atoning act of Jesus Christ, and that is the end of the story. Furthermore, salvation does not come from ourselves. The fact is that God knows our hearts, and He knows that we are proud and arrogant, therefore it is not our own doing.

God will Always be Infinitely Superior to Men

‘How, therefore, can man be just in the eyes of God?’ says Job 25:4–6 in the ESV. How can a guy who was born of a woman be considered pure? He sees the moon as a maggot, and the stars as a worm in his sight; how much less man, who is a maggot and the son of man, who is a worm!” The Creator is flawless in every regard, yet we are compared to maggots in comparison to him. Indeed, none of us is completely free of sin because we all inherit it at birth. How can you continue to remain self-centered in the face of this knowledge?

We Are Likened to Tools in God’s Hands

“Shall the axe exalt itself above the one who harrows with it, or the saw exalt itself above the one who wields it?” As if a rod should be wielded by the one who raises it, or as if a staff should be used to elevate the one who is not made of wood!” Isaiah 10:15 (New International Version) In the Lord’s hands, we are nothing more than a collection of axes, saws, and sticks. We have no right to be arrogant and self-centered by attempting to claim credit for any accomplishments. Is there any need for your axe to be conceited simply because you’re using it to hack down trees for firewood?

Bible Verses on Pride and Humility

Scripture has literally dozens and dozens of scriptures that are directly concerned with the concepts of pride and humility. To be able to claim humility, one must first examine one’s own self-centeredness and arrogance. Therefore, read these Bible Scriptures in depth and pray that the Lord would grant you insight to grasp His Living Word: “Likewise, you who are younger, submit to your elders,” says 1 Peter 5:5 in the English Standard Version. Make an effort to be humble toward one another, for “God opposes the haughty but grants favor to the humble,” as St.

“When pride enters, then follows dishonor, but with the humble comes knowledge,” says Proverbs 11:2 in the English Standard Version.

“Be in perfect agreement with one another,” says Romans 12:16 ESV.

Never consider yourself to be wise in your own eyes.” ESV: “Have in mind among yourselves the same attitude that is yours in Christ Jesus, who, while he was in the form of God, did not see equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, and was born in the image of mankind.” Moreover, having been discovered in human form, he humbled himself by becoming submissive to the point of death, even death on a cross.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV, it says that “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.” If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn away from their wicked ways, then “It is better to be of a humble heart with the poor than to divide the booty with the haughty,” says Proverbs 16:19 in the English Standard Version.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as more important than yourself,” Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-4.

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all of his works are right and his ways just; and those who walk in pride, he is able to humble.” Daniel 4:37 ESV: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all of his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride, he is able to humble.” “Neither should you be called teachers, for you have only one instructor, who is Christ.” Matthew 23:10-12 ESV: “Neither should you be called instructors, because you have only one instructor, who is Christ.” One of your finest servants will be the greatest among you.

It is those who elevate themselves who will be humiliated, and it is those who humble themselves who will be exalted.” ESV translation of James 1:9-10: “Let the lowly brother take pride in his elevation, and let the affluent take pride in his humility, for he will pass away like a blossom of the field.” “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth,” says Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV.

Because it is in these things that I take pleasure, says the Lord.” Nevertheless, you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” James 4:14-16 ESV: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” What is the story of your life?

Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills it, we will live and do this or that,” or something like.

“Any and all bragging is wrong.” As Paul writes in Romans 12:3, “For by the gift that has been bestowed on me, I urge everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but rather to think with sober discernment, each according to the measure of faith that God has allocated to him.” “For while the Lord is exalted, he looks down on the lowly, but the arrogant he recognizes from afar,” says Psalm 138:6 in the English Standard Version.

“He has thrown down the powerful from their thrones and elevated those of lowly birth,” says Luke 1:52 ESV.

Final Thoughts

Indulging in self-centered pride is one of the many immoral expressions of the flesh, and it was pride that was responsible for the original corruption of mankind, when Eve and Adam succumbed to pride and ate from the forbidden fruit. Satan, who was expelled from heaven as a result of his own internal arrogance, is the one who fooled the first two human beings, and from there, everything went bad. That is, until God sent His only born Son to pay for our sins and offer us the greatest gift that we don’t even deserve: salvation via Jesus Christ.

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