Pride in the Right Things
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context
Pride, in its biblical context, often carries a negative connotation, associated with arrogance and self-exaltation. However, there is a form of pride that is considered righteous and commendable when it aligns with God's will and purposes. This type of pride is not about self-glorification but about taking joy and satisfaction in things that honor God and reflect His character.

Biblical Examples and Teachings
1. Pride in God's Works: The Bible encourages believers to take pride in the works of God. In Psalm 92:4 , the psalmist declares, "For You, O LORD, have made me glad by Your deeds; I sing for joy at the works of Your hands." This pride is rooted in recognizing and celebrating God's power and creativity.

2. Pride in the Cross of Christ: The Apostle Paul exemplifies righteous pride in Galatians 6:14 , where he states, "But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Here, Paul expresses pride not in his own achievements but in the redemptive work of Christ, which is the foundation of his faith and life.

3. Pride in Spiritual Growth and Community: Believers are encouraged to take pride in their spiritual growth and the growth of others within the Christian community. In 2 Corinthians 7:4 , Paul writes, "Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows." This pride is directed towards the spiritual progress and steadfastness of fellow believers.

4. Pride in Serving God: There is a commendable pride in serving God faithfully. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , Paul exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This pride is in the assurance that one's efforts in serving God have eternal significance.

Theological Implications
Righteous pride is characterized by humility and gratitude. It acknowledges that all good things come from God and that any achievements or virtues are ultimately the result of His grace and empowerment. This form of pride is not self-centered but God-centered, focusing on His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Warnings Against Misplaced Pride
While pride in the right things is encouraged, Scripture also warns against the dangers of misplaced pride. Proverbs 16:18 cautions, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Believers are reminded to guard their hearts against pride that elevates self above God and others.

Practical Application
Christians are called to examine their hearts and motivations, ensuring that their pride is directed towards things that honor God. This involves celebrating God's work in their lives, rejoicing in the accomplishments of others, and finding joy in the collective mission of the Church. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ, who, though He had every reason for pride, chose humility and servanthood (Philippians 2:5-8).

Conclusion
While the Bible often warns against pride, it also provides a framework for understanding and practicing pride in a way that aligns with God's purposes. This righteous pride is a reflection of a heart that delights in God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Subtopics

Pride

Pride is Followed by Debasement

Pride is Followed by Destruction

Pride is Followed by Shame

Pride is Sin

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: Ahithophel

Pride: Assyria

Pride: Babylon

Pride: Belshazzar

Pride: Comes from the Heart

Pride: Defiles a Man

Pride: Edom

Pride: Exhortation Against

Pride: Forbidden

Pride: General Scriptures Concerning

Pride: Haman

Pride: Hardens the Mind

Pride: Hateful to Christ

Pride: Hateful to God

Pride: Herod

Pride: Hezekiah

Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources

Pride: Israel

Pride: Judah

Pride: Kings of Tyre

Pride: Laodiceans

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: Leads Men to Wrath

Pride: Moab

Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River

Pride: Nebuchadnezzar

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: Pharaoh

Pride: Saints: Give not Away

Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others

Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others

Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others

Pride: Scribes

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

Pride: Tyre

Pride: Uzziah

Pride: Woe To

Related Terms

Priest's (75 Occurrences)

Priest-king (1 Occurrence)

Chief-priest (1 Occurrence)

Head-priest (1 Occurrence)

Valued (27 Occurrences)

Appears (38 Occurrences)

Scall (9 Occurrences)

Annas (4 Occurrences)

Valuation (22 Occurrences)

Abi'athar (28 Occurrences)

Scab (7 Occurrences)

Somewhat (30 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Cleansing (37 Occurrences)

Soothing (40 Occurrences)

Caiaphas (9 Occurrences)

Aroma (50 Occurrences)

Ca'iaphas (9 Occurrences)

Spreadeth (37 Occurrences)

Scale (38 Occurrences)

Size (39 Occurrences)

Cleansed (76 Occurrences)

Spot (42 Occurrences)

Savour (52 Occurrences)

Cereal (124 Occurrences)

Cloths (16 Occurrences)

Coloured (21 Occurrences)

Antiochians

Amariah (14 Occurrences)

Article (17 Occurrences)

Sacrificing (39 Occurrences)

Courtyard (59 Occurrences)

Ablution

Ananias (11 Occurrences)

Secretary (34 Occurrences)

Shaphan (26 Occurrences)

Yellowish (3 Occurrences)

Yellow (6 Occurrences)

Sees (135 Occurrences)

Ahitub (16 Occurrences)

Ahim'elech (16 Occurrences)

Ahimaaz (15 Occurrences)

Afford (12 Occurrences)

Abihu (12 Occurrences)

Assembled (186 Occurrences)

Sanhedrim (20 Occurrences)

Struck (373 Occurrences)

Spreads (31 Occurrences)

Swelling (14 Occurrences)

Slayer (23 Occurrences)

Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Scribe (55 Occurrences)

Ceremonially (38 Occurrences)

Seraiah (18 Occurrences)

Sore (156 Occurrences)

Ahimelech (17 Occurrences)

Sinned (156 Occurrences)

Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)

Sanctify (91 Occurrences)

Seventh (123 Occurrences)

Seems (99 Occurrences)

Cooked (35 Occurrences)

Quality (14 Occurrences)

Ahijah (23 Occurrences)

Vowed (34 Occurrences)

Values (4 Occurrences)

Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)

Smell (77 Occurrences)

Abiathar (29 Occurrences)

Addressed (23 Occurrences)

Asenath (3 Occurrences)

Adjure (16 Occurrences)

Arrested (24 Occurrences)

Serai'ah (18 Occurrences)

Shealtiel (12 Occurrences)

Sceva (1 Occurrence)

Shecaniah (10 Occurrences)

Shelemiah (10 Occurrences)

Pride in Spiritual Growth
Top of Page
Top of Page