Persecution, as depicted in the Bible, often finds its roots in the sin of pride. This destructive force manifests when individuals or groups, driven by an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority, seek to oppress or harm others, particularly those who are righteous or hold differing beliefs. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how pride can lead to persecution.

Biblical Examples of Persecution Stemming from Pride

1. Cain and Abel: The first recorded act of persecution in the Bible is the murder of Abel by his brother Cain. Cain's pride and jealousy over God's favor towards Abel's offering led him to commit the first murder. Genesis 4:5-8 states, "but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell...Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him."

2. Pharaoh and the Israelites: Pharaoh's pride and refusal to acknowledge the sovereignty of the God of Israel resulted in the harsh persecution of the Israelites. Despite witnessing God's power through the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. Exodus 5:2 records Pharaoh's prideful response: "But Pharaoh replied, 'Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.'"

3. Saul and David: King Saul's pride and jealousy towards David, whom God had chosen to be the next king, led to relentless persecution. Saul's fear of losing his throne and status drove him to pursue David with the intent to kill him. 1 Samuel 18:8-9 reveals Saul's prideful thoughts: "And Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David."

4. Religious Leaders and Jesus: The pride of the Pharisees and other religious leaders during Jesus' time led to the ultimate persecution and crucifixion of Christ. Their desire to maintain religious authority and their inability to accept Jesus' teachings and divine authority fueled their actions. Mark 15:10 notes Pilate's awareness of their motives: "For he knew it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over."

Teachings on Pride and Persecution

The Bible consistently warns against the sin of pride and its potential to lead to persecution. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the destructive nature of pride, which can lead individuals to act unjustly against others.

Jesus, in His teachings, emphasized humility and warned His followers of the persecution they would face because of His name. In Matthew 5:10-12 , He said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."

The Apostle Paul also addressed the issue of pride and persecution in his letters. In 2 Timothy 3:12 , he wrote, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This acknowledgment of persecution as a reality for believers underscores the ongoing struggle against prideful forces in the world.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a clear connection between pride and persecution, illustrating how the former often leads to the latter. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture warns against the dangers of pride and encourages believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution, trusting in God's ultimate justice and reward.Psalm 10:2
The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Exile.
... He originates nothing ... the desperate adventures and hairbreadth escapes of the Sauline
persecution. ... then fling them prostrate; would make their pride and fierce ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

The Confessions and Letters of St
... Chapter XIII.--Love Originates from Grace and Beauty Enticing ... at Milan; Of the Ambrosian
Persecution Raised by ... Chapter XXXVI.--A Third Kind is "Pride" Which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/

Summa Theologica
... Whether the evil of fault can be in the angels? Whether only the sin of pride and
envy can exist in an angel? Whether the devil desired to be as God? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

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Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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