Topical Encyclopedia Pride, as depicted in the Bible, is a condition of the heart that leads individuals away from God and towards self-exaltation. It is often portrayed as a root sin that gives rise to various other sinful behaviors and attitudes. The Bible consistently warns against pride, emphasizing its destructive nature and its opposition to the humility that God desires.Biblical Definition and Origin Pride is fundamentally an attitude of self-sufficiency, self-importance, and self-righteousness. It is the elevation of oneself above others and, ultimately, above God. The Bible identifies pride as originating from the heart, the core of human will and emotion. In Mark 7:21-23 , Jesus explains, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man." Pride in the Old Testament The Old Testament provides numerous examples and warnings about pride. Proverbs 16:18 famously states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb highlights the inevitable downfall that follows prideful behavior. The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 illustrates this principle. Uzziah's pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, resulting in God striking him with leprosy. The prophet Isaiah also speaks against pride, particularly in the context of nations and leaders who exalt themselves. Isaiah 2:11-12 declares, "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." Pride in the New Testament In the New Testament, pride is addressed as a significant barrier to receiving God's grace. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This passage underscores the spiritual principle that pride places individuals in opposition to God, while humility opens the door to His grace. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 further illustrates the dangers of pride. The Pharisee's self-righteous prayer is contrasted with the humble plea of the tax collector. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). Theological Implications Pride is often seen as the original sin, as it was pride that led to the fall of Lucifer, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). This same pride is reflected in humanity's rebellion against God, beginning with Adam and Eve's desire to be like God (Genesis 3:5). Pride, therefore, is not merely an individual failing but a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition. Practical Considerations Believers are called to guard their hearts against pride by cultivating humility and dependence on God. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This call to humility is rooted in the example of Christ, who, though being in very nature God, humbled Himself by taking on human form and submitting to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). In summary, pride is a deeply ingrained sin that originates from the heart and manifests in various forms of self-exaltation and rebellion against God. The Bible consistently warns against pride and calls believers to pursue humility, recognizing their dependence on God's grace and the example of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 7:21-23For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. . ... Of the Means of Belief First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ... Prayer and Humility Pride Catechized Dead with Christ. Open Sins The Knowledge which Comes through Faith the Surest of All. Resources What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pride of Jacob (Amos 8:7)? | GotQuestions.org What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org Pride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pride is Followed by Debasement Pride is Followed by Destruction Pride: A Characteristic: False Teachers Pride: A Characteristic: The Devil Pride: A Characteristic: The Wicked Pride: A Characteristic: The World Pride: A Hindrance to Improvement Pride: A Hindrance to Seeking God Pride: General Scriptures Concerning Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources Pride: Leads Men to a Persecuting Spirit Pride: Leads Men to Contempt and Rejection of God's Word and Ministers Pride: Leads Men to Contention Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River Pride: Often Originates in Inexperience Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Power Pride: Often Originates in Possession of Wealth Pride: Often Originates in Religious Privileges Pride: Often Originates in Self-Righteousness Pride: Often Originates in Unsanctified Knowledge Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others Pride: Shall Abound in the Last Days Pride: The Wicked Encompassed With Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Abased Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Into Contempt Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Brought Low Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Marred Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Punished Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Resisted Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Scattered Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Subdued Related Terms |
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