Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a term used to describe an attitude of moral superiority, where an individual believes they are more virtuous or pious than others. This concept is often associated with hypocrisy and pride, as it involves an overestimation of one's own righteousness and a critical view of others. The Bible addresses self-righteousness in various passages, warning against the dangers of such an attitude and emphasizing the need for humility and genuine repentance.Biblical References: 1. Pharisees and Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are frequently cited in the New Testament as examples of self-righteousness. Jesus criticized them for their outward displays of piety while neglecting the more important matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. 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-righteousness of a Pharisee with the humility of a tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his religious deeds, while the tax collector humbly asks for God's mercy. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." 3. Righteousness Through Faith: The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of self-righteousness in his letters, particularly in relation to the law. In Romans 10:3 , Paul writes, "Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through one's own efforts or adherence to the law. 4. Warnings Against Pride: The Bible consistently warns against pride, which is often at the root of self-righteousness. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This warning serves as a reminder that self-righteousness can lead to spiritual downfall. 5. Call to Humility: Scripture calls believers to adopt an attitude of humility, recognizing their own sinfulness and need for God's grace. James 4:6 declares, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Humility is presented as the antidote to self-righteousness, aligning believers with God's will. Theological Implications: Self-righteousness is fundamentally at odds with the Christian understanding of salvation by grace through faith. It reflects a reliance on one's own merits rather than on the redemptive work of Christ. This attitude can hinder one's relationship with God, as it obscures the need for repentance and divine forgiveness. The Bible encourages believers to examine their hearts, repent of self-righteous attitudes, and seek a genuine relationship with God based on humility and faith. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESSself-ri'-chus-nes: A term that has come to designate moral living as a way of salvation; or as a ground for neglecting the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The thought is present in the teaching of Jesus, who spoke one parable particularly to such as reckoned themselves to be righteous (Luke 18:9). The Pharisees quite generally resented the idea of Jesus that all men needed repentance and they most of all. They regarded themselves as righteous and looked with contempt on "sinners." Paul in all his writings, especially Romans 3 Galatians 3 Ephesians 2 Philippians 3, contrasts the righteousness that is God's gift to men of faith in Jesus Christ, with righteousness that is "of the law" and "in the flesh." By this latter he means formal conformity to legal requirements in the strength of unregenerate human nature. He is careful to maintain (compare Romans 7) that the Law is never really kept by one's own power. On the other hand, in full agreement with Jesus, Paul looks to genuine righteousness in living as the demand and achievement of salvation based on faith. God's gift here consists in the capacity progressively to realize righteousness in life (compare Romans 8:1;). Library The Honored Servant Mercy's Master Motive Indexes and Tables Thesaurus Selfrighteousness/s/selfrighteousness.htm - 8k Self-righteousness Self-restraint (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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