Topical Encyclopedia Pride is a significant theme in the Bible, often depicted as a sin that leads to downfall and separation from God. It is characterized by an inflated sense of one's own worth, abilities, or accomplishments, often resulting in a lack of humility and an overestimation of self. The Bible consistently warns against pride, emphasizing the virtues of humility and submission to God.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, pride is frequently associated with rebellion against God and is often linked to the downfall of individuals and nations. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable consequences of pride, suggesting that it leads to ruin and disaster. The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 serves as a cautionary tale about pride. Uzziah's reign was marked by success and prosperity, but his heart became proud, leading to his downfall. 2 Chronicles 26:16 recounts, "But when he grew strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense." The prophet Isaiah also speaks against pride, particularly in the context of the nations. Isaiah 2:11 declares, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." This passage underscores the idea that human pride will ultimately be humbled before the sovereignty of God. New Testament References In the New Testament, pride is similarly condemned, and humility is extolled as a Christian virtue. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse emphasizes the opposition between pride and God's grace, suggesting that humility is a prerequisite for receiving divine favor. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 illustrates the dangers of pride in religious life. The Pharisee's self-righteous prayer is contrasted with the humble plea of the tax collector, highlighting the importance of humility before God. Luke 18:14 concludes, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." The apostle Paul also addresses pride in his epistles, urging believers to adopt a mindset of humility. In Philippians 2:3, he writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This exhortation reflects the call to emulate Christ's humility and selflessness. Theological Implications Theologically, pride is seen as a root sin that gives rise to other forms of disobedience and rebellion against God. It is often contrasted with humility, which is viewed as a foundational virtue in the Christian life. Pride is considered a barrier to spiritual growth and a hindrance to one's relationship with God. The biblical narrative consistently portrays pride as a destructive force that leads to alienation from God and others. It is depicted as a sin that blinds individuals to their need for God's grace and mercy. The call to humility is a recurring theme, urging believers to recognize their dependence on God and to submit to His will. Practical Applications In practical terms, the Bible's teachings on pride encourage believers to cultivate humility in their daily lives. This involves acknowledging one's limitations, valuing others above oneself, and seeking to serve rather than be served. The pursuit of humility is seen as a pathway to spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God. Believers are also encouraged to guard against the subtle manifestations of pride, such as self-righteousness, arrogance, and a critical spirit. By fostering a humble attitude, Christians can reflect the character of Christ and live in harmony with others, fulfilling the biblical mandate to love and serve one another. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A small European lamprey (Petromyzon branchialis); -- called also prid, and sandpiper.2. (n.) The quality or state of being proud; inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, rank, etc., which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others. 3. (n.) A sense of one's own worth, and abhorrence of what is beneath or unworthy of one; lofty self-respect; noble self-esteem; elevation of character; dignified bearing; proud delight; -- in a good sense. 4. (n.) Proud or disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing and conduct; insolent exultation; disdain. 5. (n.) That of which one is proud; that which excites boasting or self-gratulation; the occasion or ground of self-esteem, or of arrogant and presumptuous confidence, as beauty, ornament, noble character, children, etc. 6. (n.) Show; ostentation; glory. 7. (n.) Highest pitch; elevation reached; loftiness; prime; glory; as, to be in the pride of one's life. 8. (n.) Consciousness of power; fullness of animal spirits; mettle; wantonness; hence, lust; sexual desire; esp., an excitement of sexual appetite in a female beast. 9. (v. t.) To indulge in pride, or self-esteem; to rate highly; to plume; -- used reflexively. 10. (v. i.) To be proud; to glory. Greek 1461a. egkauchaomai -- to take pride in, glory in ... 1461, 1461a. egkauchaomai. 1461b . to take pride in, glory in. Transliteration: egkauchaomai Short Definition: proudly. Word Origin ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1461a.htm - 5k 1461. egkentrizo -- to take pride in, glory in 2754. kenodoxia -- vainglory 5243. huperephania -- haughtiness, disdain 212. alazoneia -- boastfulness 5450. phusiosis -- a puffing up 5187. tuphoo -- to be conceited, foolish 2755. kenodoxos -- vainglorious 5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility 2744. kauchaomai -- to boast Strong's Hebrew 1346. gaavah -- majesty, pride... 1345, 1346. gaavah. 1347 . majesty, pride. Transliteration: gaavah Phonetic Spelling: (gah-av-aw') Short Definition: pride. Word ... /hebrew/1346.htm - 6k 1467. gevah -- pride 1466. gevah -- pride 7830. shachats -- dignity, pride 1344. geah -- pride 7296. rohab -- pride 2087. zadon -- insolence, presumptuousness 1363. gobah -- height 1365. gabhuth -- haughtiness 2103. zud -- to be presumptuous Library Whether Pride is a Sin? Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Whether Pride is a Mortal Sin? Whether Pride is a Special Sin? Whether the Subject of Pride is the Irascible Faculty? Whether Pride is the First Sin of All? Of Pride (Eight Articles) Pride and Humility Pride of Prosperity Thesaurus Pride (277 Occurrences)... 7. (n.) Highest pitch; elevation reached; loftiness; prime; glory; as, to be in the pride of one's life. ... Multi-Version Concordance Pride (277 Occurrences). ... /p/pride.htm - 37k Arrogance (30 Occurrences) Uplifted (26 Occurrences) Arrogancy (16 Occurrences) Swelling (14 Occurrences) Vainglory (2 Occurrences) Overweening (3 Occurrences) Mocker (11 Occurrences) Jungle (4 Occurrences) Insolence (11 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pride of Jacob (Amos 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pride (277 Occurrences)Matthew 11:29 Mark 7:22 Luke 1:51 Acts 20:19 Romans 1:30 Romans 2:17 Romans 2:23 Romans 3:27 Romans 4:2 Romans 11:13 Romans 11:18 Romans 11:20 Romans 11:21 Romans 11:25 Romans 15:17 1 Corinthians 3:21 1 Corinthians 4:6 1 Corinthians 4:7 1 Corinthians 4:18 1 Corinthians 4:19 1 Corinthians 5:6 1 Corinthians 8:1 1 Corinthians 9:15 1 Corinthians 9:16 1 Corinthians 11:15 1 Corinthians 13:4 1 Corinthians 15:31 2 Corinthians 5:12 2 Corinthians 7:4 2 Corinthians 7:14 2 Corinthians 8:24 2 Corinthians 9:2 2 Corinthians 10:8 2 Corinthians 11:10 2 Corinthians 11:12 2 Corinthians 12:9 Galatians 6:4 Philippians 1:26 Philippians 2:3 1 Thessalonians 4:11 2 Thessalonians 1:4 1 Timothy 3:6 1 Timothy 6:4 2 Timothy 3:2 Hebrews 3:6 James 1:9 James 1:10 James 1:21 James 2:13 James 3:14 James 4:6 James 4:16 1 Peter 3:8 1 Peter 3:15 1 Peter 5:5 1 John 2:16 Revelation 13:5 Genesis 49:3 Exodus 9:17 Exodus 10:3 Exodus 18:11 Leviticus 26:19 Leviticus 26:41 Numbers 15:30 Deuteronomy 1:43 Deuteronomy 8:2 Deuteronomy 8:3 Deuteronomy 8:14 Deuteronomy 8:16 Deuteronomy 10:16 Deuteronomy 17:12 Deuteronomy 17:13 Deuteronomy 18:22 Deuteronomy 32:27 Joshua 22:22 Judges 7:2 1 Samuel 2:3 1 Samuel 15:23 1 Samuel 17:28 2 Samuel 22:28 1 Kings 1:5 2 Kings 19:22 2 Kings 19:28 2 Chronicles 17:6 2 Chronicles 25:19 2 Chronicles 26:16 2 Chronicles 30:11 2 Chronicles 32:25 2 Chronicles 32:26 2 Chronicles 33:19 Nehemiah 9:16 Job 8:11 Job 10:16 Job 11:3 Job 20:5 Job 20:6 Job 28:8 Job 33:17 Job 35:12 Job 36:9 Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |