In what ways can pride hinder your relationship with God and others?

The Verse in Focus

“Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.” (Proverbs 21:24)

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What Scripture Means by “Proud and Arrogant”

- Pride elevates self above God’s authority (Psalm 10:4).

- Arrogance treats others with contempt (Proverbs 13:10).

- Mockery ridicules any correction (Proverbs 9:7–8).

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How Pride Erects Barriers Between You and God

- Closes your ears to His Word—“The wicked, in his proud countenance, does not seek God” (Psalm 10:4).

- Resists grace—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

- Ignores dependence on the cross—like the Pharisee who trusted in himself (Luke 18:9-14).

- Provokes divine discipline—“I will break the pride of your power” (Leviticus 26:19).

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How Pride Wounds Relationships with Others

- Sparks conflict: “Where there is strife, there is pride” (Proverbs 13:10).

- Blocks reconciliation by refusing to admit wrong (Proverbs 29:23).

- Discourages teamwork; pride “puffs up,” but love “builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

- Generates envy and competition—“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another” (Galatians 5:26).

- Silences empathy; pride “rejoices in going alone,” humility “looks not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

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The Downward Spiral Pride Creates

1. Self-reliance

2. Disregard for counsel (Proverbs 12:15)

3. Mockery and hardened heart (Proverbs 14:6)

4. Public downfall—“Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18)

5. Isolation and shattered fellowship

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Humility: God’s Antidote

- Keep Christ’s mindset (Philippians 2:5-8).

- Remember the Source of all gifts (1 Corinthians 4:7).

- Welcome correction (Proverbs 9:9).

- Serve quietly (Matthew 6:1-4).

- Submit to God and resist the devil’s prideful lure (James 4:7).

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Living the Contrast

Choosing humility invites God’s favor, opens honest community, and reflects the Savior who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Pride shuts every one of those doors.