The verse in question, 1 Corinthians 13:4, states that love “does not boast, it is not proud” (ESV). This is part of a larger passage describing the nature of godly, sacrificial love. So what does it mean that love “is not proud”? Let’s explore this concept in more depth.
The Greek word for “proud”
The original Greek word translated as “proud” here is περπερεύομαι (perpereuomai). This word means to brag, boast, or vaunt about oneself excessively. It conveys the idea of being puffed up with pride and speaking arrogantly. So this verse is saying that true biblical love does not have an inflated view of itself or put itself on display haughtily.
Love avoids arrogance and self-promotion
The essence of pride is self-exaltation and self-preoccupation. But godly love looks out for the interests of others, not just oneself (Philippians 2:3-4). Love avoids arrogance, self-promotion, and feeling superior to others. Instead, it humbles itself and esteems others above self (Romans 12:10). Love does not brag about its achievements or look down on those it considers inferior. Nor does love call attention to itself and all the good it has done. Love gives quietly and behind-the-scenes without showboating. In short, love avoids any kind of arrogance, conceit, or feeling of superiority over others.
Examples of how love is not proud
Here are some practical examples of how godly love avoids pride and arrogance:
- Love does not gloat when it succeeds or someone else fails. Instead, it grieves over the failures of others.
- Love does not try to glorify itself in the eyes of others through ostentatious displays of wealth or achievement.
- Love does not take personal credit for what God has accomplished through it.
- Love does not look down on those with fewer material possessions, talents, or abilities.
- Love does not think it is inherently superior to others because of its ethnic, social, or economic status.
- Love does not flaunt its giving publicly but gives quietly and modestly (Matthew 6:2-4).
In summary, love avoids any thoughts, attitudes, words, or actions that arrogantly promote self at the expense of others. Instead, love lifts others up.
The opposite of pride is humility
The opposite of the pride that love rejects is humility. Whereas pride promotes self, humility esteems others. Pride is self-exalting, but humility is self-denying. Pride looks inward, but humility looks outward. The apostle Paul said humility should characterize believers, just as it characterized Christ (Philippians 2:3-8). Jesus displayed perfect humility throughout His life and death. He is the model of what it means for love to not be proud.
Pride is a major theme in Scripture
The need to avoid pride, and cultivate humility, is a major theme throughout Scripture. Here are some verses that address this:
- “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).
- “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 16:5).
- “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
- “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12).
- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10).
These verses make it clear God hates pride and calls His people to live in humility before Him and others. This humility is an essential aspect of biblical love.
How the church should reflect love that is not proud
The church as a community of believers should reflect the kind of humble, selfless love described in 1 Corinthians 13. Here are some ways the church can avoid pride and reflect godly love:
- Church leaders should model humility rather than arrogance or haughtiness in their teaching and leadership.
- Churches should value all people equally regardless of socioeconomic status or demographics.
- Believers should honor and elevate others above themselves (Romans 12:10).
- The church should give generously to those in need without fanfare (Matthew 6:2-4).
- Church members should see themselves as servants of all, not superiors.
- Churches should celebrate when other churches succeed and partner humbly together in ministry.
- Believers should not flaunt their spirituality but live modestly and quietly before God.
When the church reflects humility, generosity, equality, and selflessness, it demonstrates true biblical love that is not proud.
How individuals can grow in love that is not proud
Here are some ways believers can grow in avoiding pride and walking in biblical love:
- Examine your heart – Search for areas of arrogance, superiority, and self-exaltation that may be subtle and undetected (Psalm 139:23-24).
- Confess pride as sin – If God reveals pride in your heart, confess it and repent, asking Him to replace it with humility and love.
- Focus on serving – Take the focus off yourself and look for ways to humbly serve others each day (Philippians 2:3-7).
- Esteem others – Treat all people with value, respect, and honor regardless of status or achievement (Romans 12:10).
- Give generously – Look for ways to share your time, abilities, and resources to help others without self-promotion.
- Thank God – Remember that every good gift comes from God’s grace, not your own effort or superiority (1 Corinthians 4:7).
- Learn from Jesus – Study Jesus’ life and see how He perfectly modeled humility in the midst of great love (Philippians 2:5-11).
As we grow in living out this kind of humble, selfless biblical love, we reflect the character of Christ to the world around us.
Love is not proud due to its source in God
Ultimately, the reason why biblical love “is not proud” stems from its source – God Himself. 1 John 4:7-8 says that love comes from God, for God is love. God defines what true love is, and His nature is perfectly humble and self-giving, rather than proud. His love extended sacrificially to the world through Christ (John 3:16). When believers live out divine love, they share in the very nature of God (2 Peter 1:4), including His humility. The Holy Spirit works in believers to shape us into the image of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23), cleansing our hearts of pride and filling us afresh with God’s humble love.
Conclusion
First Corinthians 13:4 gives us a concise but powerful description of godly love: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.” Love that flows from God does not promote itself with excessive pride or arrogance. Rather, it looks humbly outward, elevating others, quietly serving, and generously giving without pretense or selfishness. This kind of love reflects the very heart of Christ. As believers open themselves to the transforming work of the Spirit, they increasingly live out this selfless love that “is not proud.” May such divine love mark the church and all who follow Jesus, for God’s glory.
