Haughty Eyes
Jump to: TopicalLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:
The term "haughty eyes" refers to a proud or arrogant demeanor, often manifested through one's gaze or expression. In biblical literature, it is frequently associated with a sense of superiority and disdain for others. The eyes, as a window to the soul, reflect the inner attitude of pride and self-exaltation.

Biblical References:
The concept of haughty eyes is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its negative connotations and the divine disapproval it incurs.

1. Proverbs 6:16-17 :
"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood..."
This passage lists haughty eyes as the first of the seven things detestable to God, underscoring the severity of pride in His eyes. The placement of haughty eyes at the beginning of the list emphasizes its foundational role in leading to other sins.

2. Proverbs 21:4 :
"Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin."
Here, haughty eyes are directly linked to a proud heart, suggesting that arrogance in one's demeanor is a reflection of inner pride. This verse categorizes such pride as sinful, aligning it with the behavior of the wicked.

3. Psalm 18:27 :
"For You save an afflicted people, but You humble those with haughty eyes."
This verse contrasts God's treatment of the humble and the proud. While He offers salvation to the afflicted, He actively humbles those with haughty eyes, indicating divine opposition to arrogance.

Theological Implications:
Haughty eyes are indicative of a deeper spiritual issue—pride. In Christian theology, pride is often considered the root of many sins, as it elevates the self above others and, ultimately, above God. The Bible consistently warns against pride, advocating instead for humility and submission to God's will.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, haughty eyes represent an attitude that disrupts community and fellowship. Arrogance can lead to division, as it fosters an environment where individuals view themselves as superior to others. Ethically, Christians are called to emulate Christ's humility, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts and attitudes, seeking to root out any form of pride that may manifest as haughty eyes. This involves cultivating a spirit of humility, recognizing one's dependence on God, and valuing others above oneself. Prayer, self-reflection, and accountability within the Christian community are vital tools in combating the sin of pride.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of behaviors associated with haughty eyes, the consistent message is clear: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Christians are called to reflect the character of Christ, who exemplified perfect humility and love.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 27:2
Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 22:1-29
A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:1-35
My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments:
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 21:4
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 16:1-33
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 11:1-31
A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 21:1-31
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he will.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him:
Topicalbible.org

Library

What God Likes and Dislikes
... There are six things that the Lord hates, Yes, seven are detestable to him: Haughty
eyes and a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A mind that ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/what god likes and dislikes.htm

Psalm 73:1. First Part. CM Afflicted Saints Happy, and Prosperous ...
... 3 "With well-fed flesh and haughty eyes "They lay their fears to sleep; "Against
the heavens their slanders rise, "While saints in silence weep. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 73 1 0 first part c.htm

Psalm 73:3. 22 3 6 17-20. LM The Prosperity of Sinners Cursed.
... 3 Now let them boast how tall they rise, I'll never envy them again; There they
may stand with haughty eyes, Till they plunge deep in endless pain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 73 3 0 22 3 6.htm

Psalm 73 Part 1 Afflicted Saints Happy, and Prosperous Sinners ...
... How peaceful is their death! "With well-fed flesh and haughty eyes,. They lay
their fears to sleep; Against the heav'ns their slanders rise,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 73 part 1 afflicted.htm

Psalm 73 the Prosperity of Sinners Cursed.
... I'll never envy them again; There they may stand with haughty eyes,. Till they plunge
deep in endless pain. Their fancied joys, how fast they flee! ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 73 the prosperity of.htm

Nineteenth Day. Subjection.
... wise Provider; not to go before our Heavenly Guide, but to follow Him, saying, in
meek subjection, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty, neither ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/nineteenth day subjection.htm

Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ).
... The eyes, then, are to be lifted up: not, however, to transfer their gaze elsewhere ...
His kingdom did not make him haughty, he was not moved by hatreds: he loved ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm cxxx cxxxi.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16, "He that Rejecteth You ...
... 4. If then those haughty men who keep their own goods to themselves, and bestow
none of ... On the other hand, look at that poor man; not with the eyes, for so ye ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lii on the words.htm

Solomon
... ambitious thoughts arise in any of our hearts, let us crush them down till we can
say with David: 'Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

Letter Lxxvi. To Abigaus.
... we read in another passage, "Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and
before ... should not grieve that you are destitute of those bodily eyes which ants ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvi to abigaus.htm

Resources
What are the seven things God hates? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about hubris? | GotQuestions.org

Haughty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Haughty
Top of Page
Top of Page