Pride can sneak up on us, often without a warning. The Bible speaks extensively about the dangers of being prideful, outlining it as a sin that can lead to downfall and separation from God. It emphasizes humility and the need to recognize our dependence on God rather than our own abilities. Jesus, throughout the New Testament, modeled humility as a strength, teaching us that true greatness comes from serving others.
Curious about how to combat pride according to the Bible? Keep reading as we dive into what the scriptures say about pride and the virtue of humility.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Prideful?
The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to pride: it’s seen as dangerous. From the Old Testament proverbs to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, the message is clear—pride leads to downfall. But why such a strong stance against pride?
Pride is considered a root sin because it puts the self above God and others. It’s the illusion of self-sufficiency, forgetting our need for God and our place in creation. The Bible warns that pride blinds us to our own faults and exaggerates our achievements, distancing us from the truth and, ultimately, from God.
God’s view on pride is consistently portrayed as oppositional. He favors the humble and resists the proud. This theme is echoed in the lives of biblical characters whose pride led to their undoing, contrasted with those whose humility was honored by God.
Jesus turned societal norms on their head, teaching that the last shall be first and the first, last. He washed the feet of His disciples, a task reserved for the lowest servant, as a lesson in humility. In the New Testament, humility is not only recommended; it’s commanded. Followers of Christ are called to emulate His humility, considering others more significant than themselves.
This biblical perspective on pride and humility is not about devaluing oneself but about recognizing the true source of our value and strength. It’s about alignment with God’s plan and purpose for our lives, which allows for no room for prideful self-reliance.
Bible Verses About Being Prideful
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This proverb is perhaps the most quoted on the subject, summarizing the Bible’s stance on pride succinctly.
- James 4:6 – “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” Here, the New Testament echoes the Old, emphasizing God’s favor towards the humble.
- Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” This verse contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility, associating wisdom with the latter.
- 1 Peter 5:5 – “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'” Peter reinforces the call to humility, reminding believers of God’s stance on pride.
- Proverbs 29:23 – “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” This emphasizes the irony of pride versus humility in terms of honor.
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Paul instructs believers on the attitude they should have towards one another, highlighting humility as a key trait.
- Luke 14:11 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus teaches that the way up is down, the way to exaltation is through humility.
- Proverbs 8:13 – “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Wisdom personified speaks to the things that are detestable to God, including pride and arrogance.
- Galatians 6:3 – “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Paul warns against the deception of pride, reminding believers of the importance of a realistic self-assessment.
- Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus repeats this principle, stressing the importance of humility in God’s kingdom.
The Bible is clear about the perils of pride and the virtue of humility. It teaches that pride can lead to our downfall, while humility can elevate us. Through these verses, we’re reminded that recognizing our need for God and putting others first is not only wise but divinely honored. Humility, according to the scriptures, is the path to true greatness and fulfillment.