What Does the Bible Say About Arrogance?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Arrogance is something most people recognize in others but rarely see in themselves.

It is that attitude of superiority, pride, and self-importance that makes a person look down on others.

Arrogance can appear in many forms—boasting, refusing to listen, dismissing others’ opinions, or acting as though one is always right.

While confidence is a good thing, arrogance takes it too far, pushing people away and leading to destruction.

The Bible speaks clearly about arrogance, warning of its dangers and pointing to a better way—humility.

Understanding what the Bible says about arrogance helps believers guard their hearts and walk in wisdom.

Arrogance Comes Before Destruction

The Bible repeatedly warns that arrogance leads to downfall.

Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

This means that arrogance blinds a person to their weaknesses, making them think they are untouchable.

But when someone believes they are above correction, they set themselves up for failure.

A person who refuses to listen to advice, admit mistakes, or acknowledge others’ wisdom is heading toward disaster.

History, both biblical and modern, is filled with examples of people who let arrogance ruin them.

King Nebuchadnezzar, in the book of Daniel, is a prime example.

He took pride in his own power, saying in Daniel 4:30, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

God humbled him immediately, causing him to lose his sanity and live like an animal until he recognized God’s authority.

His story is a powerful reminder that arrogance invites downfall, while humility leads to restoration.

God Opposes the Arrogant

One of the strongest warnings in the Bible about arrogance is found in James 4:6:

“But he gives us more grace.

That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”

This verse is not just about disliking arrogance—it states that God actively opposes the proud.

To be arrogant is to put oneself in opposition to God.

The reason for this is simple—arrogance elevates self above God.

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It suggests that a person can handle life on their own, without needing His guidance.

But Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs believers to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When people rely on their own wisdom instead of seeking God, they set themselves up for failure.

God honors those who depend on Him rather than on their own strength.

Arrogance Creates Division

A proud heart does not just affect the person who carries it—it damages relationships with others.

Proverbs 13:10 says, “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Arrogance often leads to arguments and broken relationships.

A person who always thinks they are right will struggle to maintain healthy connections with friends, family, or coworkers.

Arrogance makes it hard to listen, hard to apologize, and hard to grow.

No one enjoys being around someone who always boasts or refuses to admit fault.

Proverbs 18:12 reminds believers, “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”

If someone wants to build strong, lasting relationships, they must learn to let go of arrogance and embrace humility.

Listening to others, valuing different perspectives, and admitting when one is wrong are all signs of a wise and mature heart.

Jesus Set the Example of Humility

If anyone had the right to be proud, it was Jesus.

As the Son of God, He had all power, wisdom, and authority.

Yet, He chose to walk in humility.

Philippians 2:5-8 describes His attitude:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

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Jesus did not boast about His position or demand special treatment.

Instead, He served others, washed His disciples’ feet, and sacrificed Himself for the world.

His life is the ultimate example of why humility is greater than arrogance.

If the Son of God chose humility, how much more should His followers?

Arrogance Leads to Spiritual Blindness

One of the most dangerous aspects of arrogance is that it blinds people to their own faults.

A proud person struggles to see their own weaknesses because they are too focused on their own greatness.

Revelation 3:17 warns against this mindset:

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’

But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Arrogance can give a false sense of security.

It can make a person believe they have everything under control when, in reality, they are lost.

That is why the Bible encourages self-examination.

2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

A humble heart is open to correction and willing to grow.

A proud heart refuses to see its own flaws.

Humility Opens the Door to God’s Blessings

While arrogance leads to destruction, humility leads to blessings.

Proverbs 22:4 states, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

God does not bless arrogance, but He does bless those who walk in humility.

Jesus taught this principle in Matthew 23:12:

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

This does not mean that humility guarantees wealth or success, but it does mean that God honors those who choose to trust Him instead of themselves.

He lifts up those who recognize their need for Him.

How to Overcome Arrogance

Overcoming arrogance is not always easy, but it is possible with God’s help.

The first step is to recognize it.

Psalm 139:23-24 is a great prayer for this:

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“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Asking God to reveal areas of pride allows Him to bring transformation.

The second step is to practice gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude shifts the focus from self to God.

It reminds people that everything they have is a gift from Him, not something they achieved on their own.

The third step is to serve others.

Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Serving others humbles the heart and reminds people that greatness is found in putting others first.

The final step is to seek wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

A humble person is willing to learn, grow, and listen to advice.

Seeking God’s wisdom through His Word, prayer, and godly counsel helps keep arrogance in check.

Final Thoughts

The Bible makes it clear that arrogance is dangerous.

It leads to destruction, creates division, and blinds people to their own weaknesses.

God opposes the proud but blesses the humble.

Jesus Himself set the perfect example of humility, showing that true greatness comes from serving others, not exalting oneself.

Overcoming arrogance requires self-examination, gratitude, serving others, and seeking wisdom.

When believers choose humility over pride, they walk in God’s grace and experience the blessings that come with a heart surrendered to Him.