Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Haughty

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The term "haughty" refers to an attitude of arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority over others. In the context of the unrenewed heart, haughtiness is a manifestation of the sinful nature that stands in opposition to the humility and meekness that God desires in His people. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of haughtiness, warning of its destructive consequences and the divine judgment it incurs.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 16:18 · "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that accompanies a haughty spirit. The unrenewed heart, characterized by pride, sets itself on a path toward ruin, as it is contrary to the wisdom and righteousness of God.

2. Isaiah 2:11-12 · "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. For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled." Here, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming judgment against the haughty. The unrenewed heart, in its arrogance, will be brought low by the sovereign hand of God, who alone is worthy of exaltation.

3. James 4:6 · "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The unrenewed heart, marked by haughtiness, finds itself in opposition to God. The proud are resisted by the Lord, while humility is met with His grace. This underscores the spiritual peril of maintaining a haughty disposition.

4. Psalm 101:5 · "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and an arrogant heart, I will not endure." The psalmist expresses God's intolerance for haughtiness. The unrenewed heart, with its arrogant gaze and attitude, is unacceptable in the sight of the Lord, who values integrity and humility.

5. Proverbs 21:4 · "Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin." This proverb identifies haughtiness as a guiding force for the wicked, equating it with sin. The unrenewed heart, driven by pride, is aligned with wickedness and stands in need of transformation through repentance and faith.

Theological Implications:

Haughtiness in the unrenewed heart is a direct affront to the character of God, who is holy and just. It reflects a self-centeredness that elevates the individual above others and, ultimately, above God Himself. This attitude is antithetical to the teachings of Christ, who exemplified humility and servanthood. The unrenewed heart, in its haughtiness, is blind to its need for redemption and the grace that God offers through Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures consistently call for a heart transformation, urging individuals to forsake pride and embrace humility. The renewal of the heart is a work of the Holy Spirit, who convicts of sin and leads believers into a life of righteousness. Through the process of sanctification, the believer is conformed to the image of Christ, shedding the haughty spirit of the unrenewed heart and adopting the humility that is pleasing to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 48:29
We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogance, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The National Preacher.
... full disclosure of the true feelings of the unrenewed heart. ... a decisive criterion
of human character"to exhibit ... and the adherents of a haughty, self-confident ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/the national preacher.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... for eight hundred years by this haughty power ... closing their eyes to the real character
of Romanism ... A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... for eight hundred years by this haughty power ... closing their eyes to the real character
of Romanism ... A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... Unrenewed persons find fault with God's justice. ... morning, for my text is addressed
to a special character. ... The daughter of Edom said in her heart, "Who shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

Rom. I. 28
... said, "According to thy hardness and impenitent heart thou treasurest ... But of such
character God is not. ... he chose the word sarx to denote unrenewed human nature ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm