Topical Encyclopedia Definition: Self-righteousness is a term used to describe an attitude of moral superiority, where an individual believes they are more virtuous or morally upright than others. This attitude often leads to judgmental behavior and a lack of humility. In a biblical context, self-righteousness is seen as a spiritual pitfall that can hinder one's relationship with God. Biblical References and Themes: 1. Pharisees and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are often depicted in the New Testament as embodying self-righteousness. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward displays of piety that masked inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." 2. Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his own righteousness, saying, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire." In contrast, the tax collector humbly prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. 3. Righteousness Through Faith: The Bible teaches that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through one's own efforts or adherence to the law. Romans 3:20-22 states, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." 4. Pride and Humility: Self-righteousness is often linked to pride, which is condemned throughout Scripture. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Conversely, humility is exalted as a virtue. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" 5. The Danger of Self-Deception: Self-righteousness can lead to self-deception, where individuals fail to recognize their own sinfulness. In Revelation 3:17 , the church in Laodicea is admonished for their self-satisfaction: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked." Practical Implications: · Examination of Heart: Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, seeking God's guidance to avoid the trap of self-righteousness. Psalm 139:23-24 is a prayer for such introspection: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting." · Dependence on God's Grace: Recognizing one's own sinfulness and need for God's grace is essential. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." · Cultivating Humility: Believers are called to cultivate humility, following the example of Christ. Philippians 2:3-5 instructs, "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. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Self-righteousness, as depicted in the Bible, is a significant spiritual issue that requires vigilance and a continual reliance on God's grace and truth. Topical Bible Verses Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. Topicalbible.org Galatians 2:20 Greek 846. autos -- (1) self (emphatic) (2) he, she, it (used for the ... ... word Definition (1) self (emphatic) (2) he, she, it (used for the third pers ... own (2), part (1), people (1), person (1), personally (1), righteousness (1), same ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/846.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 6663. tsadeq -- to be just or righteous... 9), vindicated (1), vindicates (1). cleanse, clear self, be, do justice be turn to righteousness. A primitive root; to be (causatively ... /hebrew/6663.htm - 6k Library A Blow at Self-Righteousness Self-Righteousness Insufficient. Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness Self-Righteousness Insufficient. Believe Just Now They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his ... Man's Own Character no Ground of Peace Possessing, and "Working Out. " Believe and be Saved A Jealous God Resources What does the Bible say about self-sacrifice / being self-sacrificial? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being self-conscious? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view self-esteem? | GotQuestions.org Self: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Related Terms Self-controlled (9 Occurrences) Self-indulgence (4 Occurrences) Self-restraint (2 Occurrences) Self-confidence (2 Occurrences) Self-indulgent (3 Occurrences) Self-inflicted (2 Occurrences) Self-abasement (2 Occurrences) Self-complacency (1 Occurrence) Self-discipline (1 Occurrence) Self-forgetfulness (1 Occurrence) Self-mutilators (1 Occurrence) Self-recommendation (1 Occurrence) Self-exaltation (1 Occurrence) Self-congratulations (1 Occurrence) Self-disparagement (1 Occurrence) |
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