Topical Bible: Contempt: Self-Righteous Prompts To

◄ Contempt: Self-Righteous Prompts To ►

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Contempt, in the biblical context, often arises from a self-righteous attitude, where individuals consider themselves morally superior to others. This attitude is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it contradicts the humility and love that God desires from His followers.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Pharisee and the Tax Collector: One of the most illustrative parables concerning self-righteous contempt 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 other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling to even lift his eyes to heaven, and prayed for mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. This parable highlights the danger of self-righteousness leading to contempt for others and emphasizes the value of humility before God.

2. The Sermon on the Mount: In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus warns against judging others, a behavior often rooted in self-righteousness. He says, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Matthew 7:1-2). Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the plank to illustrate how self-righteousness blinds individuals to their own faults while they criticize others. This teaching underscores the importance of self-examination and humility.

3. The Apostle Paul’s Writings: Paul addresses the issue of self-righteousness and contempt in several of his epistles. In Romans 2:1-4, he admonishes those who judge others while committing the same sins, warning that such behavior shows contempt for God's kindness and patience. Paul writes, "Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). This passage highlights the hypocrisy of self-righteous judgment and the need for repentance.

4. James on Favoritism: The Epistle of James also speaks against contemptuous attitudes, particularly in the context of favoritism. James 2:1-4 warns believers not to show favoritism, which often stems from self-righteous judgments about others' worth. He writes, "If you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors" (James 2:9). This teaching calls for believers to treat all people with equal respect and love, reflecting God's impartiality.

Theological Implications

Self-righteous contempt is antithetical to the Christian virtues of humility, love, and grace. It reflects a misunderstanding of one's own need for God's mercy and grace, as well as a failure to recognize the inherent worth of every individual as created in the image of God. The biblical call is to emulate Christ's humility and to extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and self-awareness, regularly examining their own hearts and motives. Engaging in practices such as prayer, confession, and accountability within the Christian community can help guard against the rise of self-righteous contempt. Additionally, believers are called to actively practice love and service, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 65:5
Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day.
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Luke 18:9,11
And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
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Library

Love and Forgiveness
... sinful creatures which is natural to a self-righteous being. The one is all contempt;
the other, all pity ... Love prompts them, love justifies them, and His love ...
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