Topical Bible: Pride: Defiles a Man

◄ Pride: Defiles a Man ►

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Pride is a significant theme in the Bible, often depicted as a sin that leads to spiritual downfall and separation from God. It is considered one of the most insidious sins because it exalts the self above God and others, leading to a host of other sinful behaviors. The Bible consistently warns against pride, emphasizing its destructive nature and its ability to defile a person.

Biblical Definition and Context

Pride, in the biblical sense, is an excessive view of oneself without regard for others. It is often associated with arrogance, haughtiness, and a lack of humility. The Bible contrasts pride with humility, which is highly valued in the eyes of God. Pride is seen as the root of many sins, as it places the self above God's will and commands.

Scriptural References

1. Proverbs 16:18 · "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride. It serves as a warning that pride leads to one's ruin, both spiritually and morally.

2. Mark 7:20-23 · In this passage, Jesus explains what truly defiles a person: "He continued: 'What comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.'" Here, arrogance, a manifestation of pride, is listed among the evils that defile a person, indicating its corrupting influence on the heart.

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.'" This verse underscores the opposition between God and the proud. Pride sets one against God, while humility aligns one with His grace.

4. 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." This prophecy speaks to the ultimate humbling of the proud in the face of God's majesty and judgment.

Theological Implications

Pride is often seen as the original sin, exemplified by Lucifer's fall from grace due to his desire to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). This narrative sets the stage for understanding pride as a fundamental rebellion against God's authority. In human terms, pride manifests as self-reliance and self-exaltation, leading individuals away from dependence on God.

The Bible teaches that pride defiles a man by corrupting his heart and mind, leading to actions that are contrary to God's will. It blinds individuals to their need for God's grace and mercy, fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency and entitlement. This defilement is not merely external but deeply internal, affecting one's relationship with God and others.

Practical Application

Believers are called to cultivate humility, recognizing their dependence on God and the need for His guidance. The practice of humility involves acknowledging one's limitations and the supremacy of God's wisdom and authority. By doing so, individuals can guard against the defilement of pride and live in a manner that honors God.

In summary, pride is a pervasive sin that defiles a person by elevating the self above God and others. The Bible consistently warns against pride, urging believers to pursue humility and align themselves with God's will. Through humility, believers can experience God's grace and avoid the spiritual pitfalls associated with pride.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 7:20,22
And he said, That which comes out of the man, that defiles the man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

But Neither do the Jews Pride Themselves Upon Abstaining from ...
... But neither do the Jews pride themselves upon abstaining from swine's flesh, as ... it
is not that "which entereth into the mouth that defiles a man," and since ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlix but neither do.htm

On the Different Functions of Modesty. ...
... judgment of the Lord rather than the Pharisee, whom overweening pride made so ... let
nothing shameful proceed out of our mouth, for that defiles a man terribly. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii on the different.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... The first thing is: what thing defiles a man ... doubt what to do and what not, for every
man ought to ... happening, or of grace: shame of poor friends: pride of rich ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

Of Perfect Love: and what must be had for Ghostly Joy: and of Love ...
... Pride forsooth destroys many; when they trow they have done aught that ... not the community
of nature in his neighbour, defiles the law of man's fellowship. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxv of perfect love .htm

Original Sin
... thou defilest it; thy heart, like muddy ground, defiles the purest ... is much of the
old man in the new man. ... leaves original sin to pull down the plumes of pride. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 original sin.htm

Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable.
... The Apostle, when he would humble man's pride, uses these words ... he made him as it
were a new man. ... by the greatest ambitions (a stain which defiles all virtues ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 every thing proceeding.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... that it is not that which goeth into the mouth that defiles the man. ... feelings in
the heart not easily described, but tending to humble the pride of human ...
/.../chapter xii the third continental.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... and therefore our apostle descends to the cure of pride, envy and ... so infectious and
pestiferous a nature, that it defiles all that is in the man, and all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm

The Kingdom of Heaven
... neglects his plainest social duties, another defiles himself with ... will punish and
reward each man according to ... We pride ourselves on our superior light, and ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxx the kingdom of.htm

The Teaching of the Boisterous and Untaught, Desiring to Love: and ...
... the spouse of Jesus Christ, casts out pride, for deeply she ... Truly no man is envious
but if he in ... movings or unclean thoughts, but ofttimes defiles himself with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxix the teaching of.htm