Pride is a sin that is warned against repeatedly in the Bible. Scripture makes it clear that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about pride and humility:
Definition of Pride
The dictionary defines pride as an inflated sense of one’s personal status or accomplishments. Biblically, pride stems from selfishness and is the opposite of humility. Pride exalts self over God and others. A proud person is concerned with self-glory and does not recognize his or her dependence on God.
Pride Is Sinful
The Bible is clear that pride is sinful and displeasing to God. Proverbs 8:13 states, “Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Proverbs 16:5 says, “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord.” In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus indicates that evil intentions and pride come from within a person’s heart.
God Opposes the Proud
Scripture warns that God actively opposes the proud. James 4:6 states, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 echoes this: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Proud people set themselves against God’s ways.
Examples of Pride in the Bible
The Bible provides many examples of pride and its consequences:
– The downfall of Lucifer, who became Satan, began with pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). His desire was to exalt his throne above God’s stars.
– Adam and Eve’s disobedience came through pride as the serpent tempted them to be “like God” (Genesis 3:5).
– The tower of Babel was a monument to human pride and ambition (Genesis 11:1-9). God scattered the people to halt their presumptuous plan.
– Pharaoh’s hard heart and refusal to submit to God brought plagues on Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
– King Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity when he became arrogant and self-glorifying (Daniel 4).
– Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai because of his wounded pride (Esther 3-7).
Characteristics of Pride
The Bible describes proud people as having certain characteristics:
– Prideful people are more concerned with appearance than substance (2 Timothy 3:2). They desire recognition and praise.
– Pride leads to contention and strife (Proverbs 13:10). The proud trust in their own understanding rather than submitting to God (Proverbs 3:5-7).
– Pride causes people to deny, defend, or justify their sins rather than repent (Jeremiah 2:23-25). They refuse correction or instruction (Psalm 36:1-2).
– The proud take credit for accomplishments rather than acknowledging God’s work in their lives (Daniel 4:30). Nebuchadnezzar said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built?”
– Pride leads people into hypocrisy, pretending to be something they are not (Luke 20:46-47). Jesus accused certain religious leaders of loving public praise and honor.
– A proud attitude will ultimately lead to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Pride goes before a fall.
God Desires Humility
In contrast to pride, God desires His people to live in humility. 1 Peter 5:5-6 commands, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
Rather than self-exaltation, the Bible instructs us to esteem others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). We are to take the lowest position and see ourselves as servants (Luke 22:24-27). Jesus modeled perfect humility when He laid aside His glory and took on the form of a servant, even to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-8).
Warning Signs of Pride
Scripture provides warning signs that can indicate pride in our hearts:
– Focusing on meeting our own needs before others (Philippians 2:3-4)
– Boastful or arrogant speech (Proverbs 27:1-2)
– Lack of gratitude or praise to God (Daniel 4:30)
– Refusing to admit faults or receive correction (Proverbs 10:17)
– Judging others while ignoring our own flaws (Romans 2:1)
– Seeking after position, power, or prestige (Mark 10:35-45)
– Doing good deeds to receive glory from others (Matthew 6:1-4)
Blessings of Humility
In contrast to the destructive nature of pride, the Bible reveals many blessings that come through cultivating humility:
– God gives grace and favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34)
– Humility brings riches, honor and eternal life (Proverbs 22:4, 29:23)
– God looks favorably on humility and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14)
– The humble will be exalted and lifted up by God in due time (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6)
– Wisdom and discernment are given to the humble (Proverbs 11:2)
– The humble receive God’s friendship and intimacy (Isaiah 57:15, 66:1-2)
– Those who humble themselves will be forgiven (2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 John 1:9)
How to Overcome Pride
The Bible not only warns against pride but also provides the remedy. Here are some Scriptural ways to overcome pride in our lives:
– Ask God daily to reveal any pride in your heart (Psalm 139:23-24)
– Submit your plans to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3, James 4:13-16)
– Receive correction and instruction with humility (Proverbs 15:31-33)
– Confess any pride as sin and turn from it (1 John 1:9)
– Serve others in humility and love (Galatians 5:13-14)
– Give God praise and credit for all good things (1 Corinthians 4:7)
– Meditate on Christ’s humility in leaving heaven to serve and die for us (Philippians 2:5-11)
– Ask others to pray for you regarding any specific areas of pride
– Find an accountability partner to confess pride and cultivate humility
Conclusion
The consistent warning against pride in Scripture makes it evident that God strongly opposes pride in our lives. Pride leads to contention, destruction and separation from God. However, God gives abundant grace when we walk in humility and recognize our dependence on Him. As James 4:10 summarizes, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” Cultivating humility requires regular self-examination, submission to God and confession of pride. But it brings great spiritual blessings and draws us closer to the heart of Christ.
