Topical Encyclopedia Pride, often considered the root of many sins, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It is depicted as a destructive force that leads individuals away from God and towards self-destruction. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations against pride, emphasizing humility as a virtue that aligns believers with God's will.Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament frequently addresses the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows prideful behavior. Similarly, Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." These proverbs underscore the contrast between the consequences of pride and the blessings of humility. The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 serves as a cautionary tale. Uzziah's pride led to his downfall: "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 26:16). His prideful actions resulted in leprosy and a tragic end to his reign, illustrating the severe consequences of elevating oneself above God's commandments. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues the exhortation against pride, with Jesus and the apostles teaching humility as a core Christian value. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This beatitude emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's spiritual neediness and dependence on God, contrasting sharply with prideful self-reliance. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns against pride. In Romans 12:3, he advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you" . Paul encourages believers to maintain a humble perspective, recognizing that all gifts and abilities are from God. James 4:6 further reinforces this teaching: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" . This verse highlights the divine opposition to pride and the favor shown to those who embrace humility. The Example of Christ The ultimate example of humility is found in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus, though divine, "made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . Christ's willingness to humble Himself for the sake of humanity serves as the model for Christian behavior, urging believers to follow His example of selflessness and submission to God's will. Practical Exhortations Believers are called to actively resist pride and cultivate humility in their daily lives. 1 Peter 5:5-6 instructs, "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time" . This passage encourages Christians to adopt an attitude of humility in their interactions with others, trusting in God's timing and provision. In summary, the Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride and exhorts believers to pursue humility. Through the teachings of Scripture and the example of Jesus Christ, Christians are called to reject prideful attitudes and embrace a life of humble service to God and others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 13:15Hear you, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD has spoken. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. Still Another Triplet On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ... An Exhortation to Peace and Unity Hebrews xii. 6-Apr Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Whether the Sin of the Highest Angel was the Cause of the Others ... Sixth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Christian Living. Letter xiv. Dress. Index of Subjects. 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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