Pride is a sneaky emotion that can harm our relationships with others and with God. The Bible warns about the dangers of a prideful heart and highlights the value of humility. Today, we’ll uncover what Scripture says about pride and how to cultivate a spirit of humility.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Defending Yourself Against Slander
What Does The Bible Say About Pride
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse highlights the negative consequences of pride, emphasizing that it leads to disgrace. In contrast, humility is associated with wisdom, suggesting that being humble allows for a deeper understanding and discernment.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse warns of the dangers of pride, stating that it precedes destruction. It emphasizes that a spirit of haughtiness or arrogance will eventually lead to a downfall.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of pride and humility. It acknowledges that pride can bring a person down, while those who possess a humble spirit receive honor.
James 4:6
“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
This verse highlights God’s response to pride and humility. It states that God opposes the proud but bestows His grace upon the humble.
Proverbs 13:10
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
This verse associates pride with conflict and strife. It suggests that individuals who are open to taking advice demonstrate wisdom rather than allowing pride to fuel discord.
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.'”
This verse urges younger individuals to show submission and humility towards their elders. It provides a reminder that God opposes pride but extends His grace to the humble.
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the unplowed field of the wicked, produce sin.”
This verse associates haughty eyes and a proud heart with wickedness. It suggests that prideful attitudes can lead to sinful behavior.
Psalm 138:6
“For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.”
This verse highlights God’s perspective on pride and humility. It acknowledges that while God is exalted and high, He pays attention to and values the lowly, but keeps His distance from the proud.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
This verse teaches against excessive self-importance and pride. It encourages individuals to have a balanced and humble view of themselves, recognizing that their abilities and gifts come from God.
Proverbs 16:5
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
This verse emphasizes God’s detestation of prideful hearts. It warns that those who are proud will face consequences and will not escape punishment.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse teaches the principle of humility, stating that those who seek to elevate themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God.
Proverbs 26:12
“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse highlights the danger of self-delusion and arrogance. It suggests that individuals who view themselves as wise and superior are in a worse position than fools who acknowledge their lack of wisdom.
Isaiah 2:12
“For the Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).”
This verse reveals that God has a day set aside for the proud and those who exalt themselves. On that day, they will be humbled and brought low.
Mark 7:21-23
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
These verses demonstrate that pride is a manifestation of evil within a person’s heart. It is mentioned alongside other vices and sins that defile an individual.
Luke 18:14
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
In this parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility. The tax collector, who humbled himself before God, was justified, whereas the Pharisee, who exalted himself, was not.
1 Timothy 3:6
“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”
This verse provides guidance for selecting leaders in the church. It warns against appointing someone who is a recent convert, as they may become prideful and susceptible to the same judgment as the devil.
Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.”
This verse connects pride with greed and its consequences. It contrasts the strife caused by greed with the prosperity that comes from trusting in the Lord.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
This verse advises against self-promotion and seeking praise for oneself. It suggests that it is more commendable to let others acknowledge one’s worth rather than boasting about oneself.
Romans 11:20
“That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.”
In this letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul warns against pride and urges believers to have a healthy fear of God. He reminds them that faith is what keeps them secure, emphasizing the importance of humility.
Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
This verse expresses God’s intolerance towards those who engage in slander and possess a proud heart. It reveals His commitment to silencing those who harm others through their words or attitudes.
1 Corinthians 10:12
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
This verse serves as a warning against overconfidence and pride. It reminds believers to exercise caution and not become complacent in their faith, as it can lead to a fall.
Proverbs 16:19
“Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”
This verse highlights the value of humility in the face of oppression. It suggests that it is better to identify with the lowly and oppressed rather than gaining wealth and success through prideful means.
Psalm 10:4
“In his pride, the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.”
This verse portrays the mindset of a wicked person driven by pride. It reveals that their arrogance and lack of humility prevent them from seeking and acknowledging God.
2 Chronicles 26:16b
“But when he became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.”
This verse recounts the story of King Uzziah, whose pride led to his downfall. It reveals how his arrogance caused him to act in disobedience and perform a priestly duty that was reserved for the Levites.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech.”
This verse highlights God’s perspective on pride and arrogance. It states that He detests these qualities as they are contrary to His nature and are associated with evil behavior and perverse speech.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”
This passage emphasizes that true boast should be in knowing God and recognizing His attributes of kindness, justice, and righteousness. It discourages individuals from pridefully boasting in their own wisdom, strength, or wealth.