Arrogance is an attitude of pride, self-importance, and disdain for others. The Bible has a lot to say about arrogance and highlights it as a serious sin and problem. Here is an overview of some of the major Bible passages that deal with arrogance and what they teach us:
Old Testament Teachings on Arrogance
In the Old Testament, arrogance is strongly condemned as a condition of the wicked and ungodly. Here are some key verses:
- 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.” This verse explains that arrogance is linked to evil and perverted speech.
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Arrogance leads ultimately to ruin and judgment.
- Proverbs 21:4 – “Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.” The proud attitude of the arrogant is equated with sin.
- Proverbs 29:23 – “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.” Pride leads to dishonor while humility brings honor.
- Isaiah 2:11 – “The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” God will ultimately humble the arrogance of mankind.
These verses demonstrate how arrogance was viewed as a condition of evil, something hated by God that ultimately leads to judgment and ruin. The prophets especially railed against the arrogance of both Israel and her enemies, equating it with self-reliance instead of reliance on God.
New Testament Teachings on Arrogance
In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles continue to strongly warn against arrogance and pride:
- James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” This repeats the Old Testament theme that God stands against the arrogant.
- 1 Peter 5:5 – “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Again, a warning that arrogance opposes the grace of God.
- Romans 12:3 – “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” Paul advises humility and sober judgment over arrogance.
- Luke 18:14 – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus teaches that self-exaltation leads to humiliation while humility leads to blessing.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” Arrogance is directly opposed to Christian love.
The consistent New Testament theme is that arrogance should have no place in the heart of a Christian. Rather, the attitude that pleases God is one of humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love for others.
Why Does God Hate Arrogance?
Looking at all these verses, we see that arrogance is strongly condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. Why does God hate arrogance so much? Here are some of the reasons:
- Pride. Arrogance is rooted in pride rather than humility. It places self first before others and even God.
- Self-reliance. The arrogant believe they have no need of God or others. They rely on their own wisdom and strength.
- Disdain for others. Arrogance treats others with condescension and lack of concern or compassion.
- Self-deception. Arrogance is built on an inflated view of one’s importance. The arrogant deceive themselves.
- Ingratitude. Those who are arrogant fail to acknowledge their dependence on God and others and are ungrateful.
- REBELLION. Ultimately, arrogance is rebellion against God, His standards, and His authority.
This righteous anger towards arrogance stems from God’s very nature and character. He cares about truth, love, compassion, grace, and humility – all the things that arrogance so clearly lacks. Our calling as Christians is to reflect God’s character by shunning arrogance and walking in His humility and love.
Examples of Arrogance in the Bible
The Bible contains many examples of arrogance being displayed and condemned. Here are a few primary ones:
- Pharaoh. The pride and arrogance of Pharaoh led to his downfall (Exodus 5-14). Despite multiple warnings from God, Pharaoh persisted in his stubborn pride.
- Haman. The book of Esther records how Haman’s arrogance led to his downfall. He sought to destroy all the Jews due to his wounded pride (Esther 3-7).
- Nebuchadnezzar. This Babylonian king became exceedingly arrogant, declaring “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built?” God judged his pride (Daniel 4).
- Herod. When Herod accepted worship from the people, he was struck down by God for his arrogant pride (Acts 12:20-23).
- The Pharisees. Jesus condemned the religious arrogance of the Pharisees, who looked down on others (Luke 18:9-14).
These examples demonstrate how arrogance leads people into defiance of God and the harming of others. The eventual result is always judgment and downfall.
Biblical Antidotes to Arrogance
Not only does Scripture condemn arrogance, but it also provides the antidote through its teachings on humility. Here are some key ways the Bible tells us to combat arrogance in our lives:
- Fear God rather than man. The fear of God should humble us and deliver us from arrogance before others (Proverbs 29:25).
- Walk in love. Choosing to walk in love forces us to look to others’ interests above our own (Philippians 2:3-4).
- Esteem others. We are told to view others as more significant than ourselves as we look to serve (Philippians 2:3-4).
- Remember our fallenness. Recalling that all have sinned humbles us from prideful judgment of others (Romans 3:23).
- Pursue humility. We are exhorted to actively pursue humility as we submit our hearts to God (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6-7).
Walking in humility is essential for every believer. As we grow in Christlike humility, we will find freedom from the burden of arrogance and its effects.
Blessings of Humility
If the Bible makes it clear that arrogance leads to judgment and ruin, the reverse is true of humility. Scripture reveals beautiful blessings and promises for those who walk in humility rather than pride and arrogance:
- God’s grace (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5)
- Exaltation (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11)
- Wisdom (Proverbs 11:2)
- Honor (Proverbs 29:23)
- The fellowship of God (Isaiah 57:15)
- Resisting the devil (1 Peter 5:5-6)
- The joy of the Lord (Isaiah 29:19)
Rather than the curses of arrogance, humility brings great blessing from God. As we grow in humility, we will experience more of the presence and grace of God at work in and through us.
Pride Versus Humility
The book of Proverbs perfectly summarizes the difference between pride/arrogance versus humility:
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
Pride leads to disgrace and ultimate ruin, while humility brings wisdom and blessing from God. The arrogant worldly pattern of self- promotion and inflated ego leads only to harm. But the humble path of following Christ through lowliness of heart and service to others brings profound joy and reward, both now and for eternity.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible resoundingly condemns arrogance throughout its pages from cover to cover. Arrogance is rooted in pride rather than humility, leads to harm of self and others, and provokes the judgment of God. The antidote is to pursue true humility, remembering our fallenness, esteeming others over self, and walking in the love and grace of Christ through the empowering Holy Spirit. As Christians, God calls us to renounce attitudes of arrogance and instead clothe ourselves in humility, so that He might lift us up and use us for His glory.