Pride can lead to trouble, but humility brings blessings. Today, we’ll discuss what the Bible says about being prideful and how to guard against it.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Prideful
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse serves as a reminder that pride can lead to our downfall. When we become consumed with ourselves and our accomplishments, we are vulnerable to making mistakes that can bring destruction. It is essential to remain humble and recognize that all our abilities and successes come from God.
In this verse, we learn that pride is not a virtue but a vice. When we allow pride to infiltrate our hearts, we distance ourselves from God and become more susceptible to arrogance, which can lead to negative consequences.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse emphasizes the contrast between pride and humility. It warns us that the presence of pride will eventually lead to disgrace, while humility allows us to gain wisdom. Humility opens our hearts and minds to receive guidance and insight from God.
Pride often blinds us to our own faults and limits our ability to learn and grow. On the other hand, humility fosters a teachable spirit and enables us to acquire wisdom from God and those around us.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
In this verse, we are reminded that God opposes the proud but extends His favor to the humble. When we humble ourselves before God, we position ourselves to receive His grace and blessings. God is drawn to those who recognize their need for Him.
The proud rely on their own strength and wisdom, while the humble acknowledge their dependence on God. By embracing humility, we invite God’s grace into our lives.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This verse teaches us that pride leads to our downfall, causing us to be brought low. However, those who maintain a humble and lowly spirit are the ones who find honor. True honor comes from God, and it is bestowed upon those who recognize their need for Him.
While the world may value pride and self-promotion, God values humility. By humbling ourselves before Him, we position ourselves to receive His honor and blessings.
Proverbs 13:10
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
This verse highlights the connection between pride and conflict. Pride often fuels strife and discord among people. It blinds us to the perspectives and wisdom of others and prevents us from seeking and accepting advice.
On the contrary, wisdom is found in those who are humble enough to recognize that they don’t have all the answers. Taking advice and considering different viewpoints allows us to make sound decisions and maintain healthy relationships.
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.”
This verse illustrates the consequences of pride. Haughty eyes and a proud heart serve as fertile ground for sin to grow. When pride fills our hearts, we become susceptible to making choices that are contrary to God’s will.
When we allow pride to rule our lives, we distance ourselves from God, leading to a path of unrighteousness. It is essential to guard our hearts against pride and seek God’s guidance in all we do.
Proverbs 16:5
“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
In this verse, we are reminded that God detests the proud of heart. He sees through our façade and knows the true condition of our hearts. Pride is an offense to God and goes against His desire for humility.
This verse serves as a warning that those who persist in pride will not go unpunished. It is a call to examine our hearts and turn away from pride, seeking instead to cultivate a humble and contrite spirit.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus teaches us this important principle regarding pride and humility. When we exalt ourselves and seek our glory, we will be humbled by the circumstances of life. However, when we humbly submit ourselves to God and others, we will be exalted in due time.
Humility is a trait that Jesus exemplified, and as His followers, we are called to do the same. By putting others before ourselves and recognizing our need for God’s grace, we position ourselves to experience His blessings.
1 Peter 5:5-6
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
These verses emphasize the importance of humility within relationships. We are called to submit ourselves to our elders and practice humility towards one another. This humility allows for healthy and respectful interactions.
God is opposed to the proud, but He extends favor to the humble. By humbling ourselves under God’s authority and the guidance of those who are more experienced, we position ourselves for growth and promotion by God in His perfect timing.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Similar to Matthew 23:12, this verse reiterates Jesus’ teaching on pride and humility. It reminds us that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be humbled, while those who choose humility will be exalted by God.
Humbling ourselves before God and others requires laying aside our pride and recognizing that our worth and significance come from Him alone. Through humility, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and open ourselves up to His blessings and favor.
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 exposes the danger of pride when it completely disregards God. The wicked person, consumed with pride, fails to seek God and is entirely self-centered. Pride hinders our ability to acknowledge God and invite Him into every aspect of our lives.
To combat the tendencies of pride, it is crucial to cultivate a heart that consistently seeks and relies on God. By recognizing our need for Him and making room for Him in our thoughts, we guard against the destructive nature of pride.
Psalm 138:6
“Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
In this verse, we are reassured that God looks kindly upon the lowly and humble. Even though He is exalted and transcendent, He has a compassionate heart towards those who are humble in spirit.
God’s perspective extends beyond our earthly status and position. He is ever-present and intimately aware of those who embrace humility and acknowledge their need for Him. This serves as an encouragement to prioritize humility in our walk with God.
Isaiah 13:11
“I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.”
In this verse, God declares His intention to put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and to humble the pride of the ruthless. God is not indifferent to pride but actively opposes it.
As believers, we can trust in God’s justice, knowing that He will humble the proud and bring them to account. This verse reminds us that no one is immune to God’s judgment, and it is wise to walk in humility before Him.
1 Corinthians 8:2
“Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.”
This verse serves as a humbling reminder that our knowledge and understanding are limited. Those who boast in their wisdom and knowledge often reveal their true ignorance.
Instead of pridefully assuming we have all the answers, we should approach life with a teachable spirit, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God. Embracing humility allows us to grow in knowledge and deepen our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
In this verse, we learn that humility is rooted in the fear, reverence, and awe of the Lord. When we recognize God’s greatness and acknowledge our dependence on Him, we can cultivate a humble spirit.
This verse also reveals the blessings that come from humility. When we embrace humility, we are rewarded with spiritual riches, honor from God, and a fulfilling life that aligns with His purposes.
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 being lowly in spirit rather than sharing in the spoils of the proud. It emphasizes that walking humbly with the oppressed is more honorable and righteous than associating with the proud.
Humility allows us to empathize and stand in solidarity with those who are suffering, while pride causes us to disregard their plight. This verse challenges us to consider whose company we keep and reminds us to prioritize humility over worldly gain.
Matthew 18:4
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that the lowly position of a child is esteemed in the kingdom of heaven. Children are often characterized by their innocence, dependence, and lack of pride.
By adopting a childlike humility and surrendering our desire for power and recognition, we can experience the greatness of God’s kingdom. This verse challenges us to let go of pride and embrace the humble nature of a child.
Galatians 6:3
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
This verse exposes the self-deception that pride can bring. When we think highly of ourselves and overestimate our abilities, we fall into the trap of self-delusion.
True humility requires an honest evaluation of ourselves in light of God’s truth. When we recognize our weaknesses and limitations, we can rely on God’s strength and seek His guidance in all things.
Ezekiel 28:17
“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”
This verse describes the downfall of the king of Tyre, whose heart became proud because of his beauty and splendor. As a result of his pride, he was humbled and made a spectacle before others.
It serves as a cautionary tale, warning us of the dangers of allowing pride to corrupt our wisdom and deceive our hearts. Humility is a safeguard against the destructive consequences of pride.
Psalm 25:9
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”
This verse assures us that God guides the humble and teaches them His ways. When we approach God with a humble and teachable spirit, He becomes our faithful guide, leading us in the paths of righteousness.
Humility allows us to surrender our own understanding and lean on God’s wisdom and guidance. By acknowledging our dependence on Him, we can confidently follow His leading.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
In this verse, God emphasizes the significance of humility as a precursor to His forgiveness and restoration. He calls His people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. In response, He promises to hear their prayers, forgive their sin, and bring healing to their land.
Humility positions us to experience God’s mercy and restoration. By humbling ourselves before Him and turning from our sinful ways, we invite His transformative power into our lives and society.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.”
According to this verse, wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord. By recognizing God’s greatness and authority, we gain wisdom. Moreover, humility precedes honor. Embracing humility allows us to experience the honor that comes from God.
The fear of the Lord involves acknowledging our finite understanding and yielding to His infinite wisdom. When we humble ourselves before Him, we position ourselves to receive His honor and blessings.
Psalm 147:6
“The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of humility and wickedness. The Lord sustains the humble, providing them with the strength and support they need. On the other hand, the wicked are cast to the ground, experiencing the consequences of their pride and disobedience.
Humility allows us to rely on God’s provision and remain in His favor. By remaining humble, we can experience His sustaining grace and blessings in our lives.