Self-righteousness is often frowned upon in the Bible, where humility and grace are highly valued. But what exactly does it mean to be self-righteous, and why is it so dangerous to our spiritual lives? Let’s explore what the Bible says about self-righteousness and how we can guard against it in our own hearts.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About a lying tongue
What Does The Bible Say About self righteousness
Romans 3:10
“As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.’
This verse reminds us that no one is inherently righteous on their own. We cannot rely on our own self-righteousness or good deeds to earn salvation. Instead, we need to recognize our need for God’s grace and depend on His righteousness to save us.
Isaiah 64:6
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
This verse highlights the futility of our self-righteousness. Even our best efforts at righteousness are tainted by sin and fall short of God’s holy standard. It emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and humility before God, recognizing that our righteousness is insufficient and seeking His cleansing and forgiveness.
Matthew 23:27-28
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”
This verse exposes the danger of self-righteousness that stems from hypocrisy. It serves as a warning against seeking to impress others with outward displays of righteousness while neglecting the condition of our hearts. Genuine righteousness is not just about appearances, but a reflection of our inner transformation and sincere devotion to God.
Galatians 2:16
“know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”
This verse emphasizes that self-righteousness through works of the law cannot save us. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be justified and made righteous before God. It reminds us that our worthiness and salvation come from Christ alone and not from our own efforts.
Luke 18:9-14
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’”
This parable highlights the danger of self-righteousness and the importance of humility. The Pharisee’s self-righteous attitude prevented him from seeking God’s mercy and grace, while the humble tax collector recognized his own sinfulness and pleaded for God’s forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that true righteousness is not found in self-praise, but in acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and approaching Him with a humble heart.
Proverbs 16:5
“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
This verse warns against pride and self-righteousness. It reminds us that God has no delight in those who boast in themselves and their own righteousness. Prideful self-righteousness brings about consequences and ultimately separates us from God’s favor. It’s important to foster humility and rely on God’s righteousness instead.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’
This verse underscores God’s response to self-righteousness and pride. He extends His grace to the humble but opposes those who exalt themselves. It serves as a gentle reminder to cultivate humility, recognizing that true righteousness is found in God’s grace alone.
Romans 5:17
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!”
This verse highlights the gift of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to receive God’s abundant grace and the gift of righteousness. It points to the fact that our righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own, but something freely given to us by God.
Philippians 3:9
“and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having a righteousness that comes from God, rather than relying on our own efforts. Our righteousness is not based on following the law, but on our faith in Christ. It reminds us to trust in God’s righteousness and seek His approval, rather than depending on our own imperfect self-righteousness.
Proverbs 11:4
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse contrasts the temporal value of wealth with the eternal significance of righteousness. Self-righteousness, like material possessions, holds no weight in the face of God’s judgment. Only true righteousness, found in Christ, can deliver us from the consequences of sin and grant us eternal life.
1 Corinthians 1:30
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
This verse emphasizes that our righteousness comes from Christ alone. Through our union with Him, He becomes our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. It reminds us that our self-righteousness is insufficient, but in Christ, we find everything we need to be made right with God.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
This passage highlights the truth that we are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith in Him. Our self-righteousness or good works cannot earn us salvation. It is a gift from God, so that we cannot boast in our own efforts. It reminds us to humbly accept God’s gift of salvation and rely on His righteousness.
Psalm 119:172
“My tongue will proclaim your word, for all your commands are righteous.”
This verse praises and affirms the righteousness of God’s commands. It acknowledges that true righteousness is found in following God’s Word and living in obedience to His commands. It encourages us to align our lives with God’s standards, seeking His righteousness rather than relying on our own flawed self-righteousness.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
This verse highlights the danger of self-righteousness leading to foolishness. When we are caught in the trap of self-righteousness, we may think that our own way is right, disregarding the wisdom and advice of others. It reminds us to remain humble and open to correction, seeking counsel and guidance from both God and wise individuals.
Isaiah 61:10
“I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
This verse celebrates God’s righteousness as a source of joy and gladness. It speaks of the transformation that occurs when God clothes us with the garments of salvation and adorns us with His righteousness. It reminds us that our self-righteousness pales in comparison to the righteousness bestowed on us by God, bringing great joy and gratitude.
Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.”
This verse serves as a reminder that self-righteousness can deceive us into thinking our ways are right, but God looks beyond external appearances and into the depths of our hearts. Only God can truly discern what is righteous and good. It challenges us to examine our motivations and surrender our self-righteousness to God’s judgment and guidance.
Romans 10:3
“Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.”
This verse highlights the consequence of seeking to establish our own self-righteousness. When we fail to acknowledge and submit to the righteousness of God, we miss out on the true righteousness that comes from Him. It reminds us of the danger of pride and self-reliance, urging us to humbly accept and embrace God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
This verse speaks to the importance of a humble and contrite heart before God. Self-righteousness is contrary to a broken spirit and a heart that acknowledges its need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It expresses the truth that God receives and values genuine repentance and humility over self-righteousness.
Luke 18:11-14
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””
This parable highlights the contrast between self-righteousness and true humility before God. The Pharisee trusted in his own self-righteousness and looked down on others, while the tax collector acknowledged his sinfulness and pleaded for God’s mercy. It teaches us that it is the humble and contrite heart that finds favor with God, rather than relying on our own self-righteousness.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse reminds us that true righteousness comes from God alone. When we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and seek His forgiveness, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It highlights the importance of surrendering our self-righteousness and relying on God’s righteousness for our salvation and sanctification.
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
This verse speaks of the blessedness of those who yearn for true righteousness. Our hunger and thirst for righteousness should not be rooted in self-righteousness, but in a genuine desire to align our lives with God’s will and character. When we seek after God’s righteousness, with a sincere heart, He promises to satisfy and fill us.
Psalm 11:7
“For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.”
This verse affirms the righteousness of God and His love for justice. It gives assurance to the upright that they will have the privilege and joy of seeing the face of God. It reminds us that our self-righteousness can never compare to the perfect righteousness of God, and encourages us to pursue righteousness according to His divine standards.