A self-righteous person, as depicted in the Bible, is someone who relies on their own perceived righteousness and moral superiority rather than on God's grace and mercy. This attitude is often characterized by pride, judgmentalism, and a lack of humility. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that warn against self-righteousness, emphasizing the importance of humility and reliance on God's righteousness.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: One of the most illustrative parables concerning self-righteousness is found in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus tells the account of a Pharisee and a tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive" (Luke 18:11-12). In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling to even lift his eyes to heaven, and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, highlighting the danger of self-righteousness and the value of humility.

2. The Rich Young Ruler: In Matthew 19:16-22, a rich young man approaches Jesus, asking what good deed he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, to which the young man replies that he has kept all these since his youth. Jesus then challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him, but the young man goes away sorrowful. This encounter reveals the young man's reliance on his own righteousness and adherence to the law, rather than a willingness to surrender fully to Christ.

3. Isaiah's Rebuke: The prophet Isaiah speaks against self-righteousness, declaring that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). This stark imagery underscores the inadequacy of human righteousness compared to God's holiness and the futility of relying on one's own deeds for justification.

4. Paul's Teaching: The Apostle Paul addresses self-righteousness in his epistles, particularly in Romans. He emphasizes that "there is no one righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10) and that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law or human effort (Romans 3:22). Paul himself, once a Pharisee, acknowledges his former reliance on self-righteousness and counts it as loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:4-9).

Characteristics of Self-Righteousness

· Pride and Arrogance: Self-righteous individuals often exhibit pride, believing themselves to be morally superior to others. This pride can lead to a judgmental attitude, as seen in the Pharisee's prayer in Luke 18.

· Reliance on Works: A self-righteous person tends to rely on their own good deeds, religious observance, or moral behavior as the basis for their standing before God, rather than on faith and grace.

· Lack of Compassion: Self-righteousness can result in a lack of empathy and compassion for others, as the focus is on one's own perceived moral achievements rather than on loving and serving others.

· Resistance to Correction: Those who are self-righteous may resist correction or rebuke, as they are often blind to their own faults and shortcomings.

Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of self-righteousness and exhorts believers to cultivate humility. James 4:6 reminds us that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" . Believers are encouraged to examine themselves, recognize their need for God's grace, and approach Him with a contrite heart. Jesus' teachings and the writings of the apostles call for a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees, one that is rooted in faith, love, and a genuine relationship with God.