Topical Bible: Pride: Forbidden

◄ Pride: Forbidden ►

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Pride, in the biblical context, is often depicted as an attitude of the heart that exalts oneself above others and, ultimately, above God. It is considered a fundamental sin that leads to a host of other transgressions. The Bible consistently warns against pride, emphasizing its destructive nature and the divine opposition it incurs.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings on the dangers of pride. In Proverbs, pride is frequently condemned as a precursor to downfall: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). This proverbial wisdom underscores the inevitable consequences of prideful behavior.

The account of King Uzziah serves as a cautionary tale. Uzziah's pride led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests. As a result, God struck him with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). This narrative illustrates how pride can lead individuals to overstep their God-given boundaries, resulting in divine judgment.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of pride, often contrasting it with the humility exemplified by Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus teaches that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). This principle is a recurring theme in His teachings, emphasizing the value of humility in the Kingdom of God.

The Apostle Paul also warns against pride in his epistles. In Romans, he advises believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but to think with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). Paul’s letters frequently highlight the importance of humility and the dangers of self-exaltation, urging Christians to follow the example of Christ, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).

Divine Opposition to Pride

Scripture makes it clear that God actively opposes the proud. James writes, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). This opposition is not merely passive but involves active resistance against those who elevate themselves. The proud are often depicted as being in direct conflict with God’s will, leading to their eventual downfall.

Pride as a Root of Sin

Pride is often seen as the root of many other sins. It is the sin that led to the fall of Lucifer, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequence of pride: separation from God.

In human relationships, pride can lead to strife and division. Proverbs 13:10 states, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised" . This highlights how pride disrupts harmony and fosters conflict, both in personal relationships and within the broader community.

Call to Humility

The biblical call to humility is a direct counter to the sin of pride. Believers are encouraged to clothe themselves with humility and to serve one another in love. Peter exhorts the church, "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). This call to humility is not merely an ethical guideline but a reflection of the character of Christ, whom Christians are called to emulate.

In summary, pride is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a forbidden attitude that leads to spiritual and relational ruin. The Scriptures call believers to reject pride and embrace humility, aligning themselves with the character and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 2:3
Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:3,16
For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pride and Humility
... seek to be as gods. They eat of the forbidden fruit, and pride withers
their paradise and blasts their Eden. Out they go to till ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... seek to be as gods. They eat of the forbidden fruit, and pride withers
their paradise and blasts their Eden. out they go to till ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Whether Adam's Sin was More Grievous than Eve's?
... to eat of the tree, lest they should become like to Him; so that in wishing to attain
to God's likeness by eating of the forbidden fruit, her pride rose to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether adams sin was more.htm

Whether the Precepts of the virtues Annexed to Temperance are ...
... murder (and this is forbidden in the Decalogue), and sometimes that he refuses due
honor to his parents, which may also be the result of pride, which leads ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 8.htm

Whether Pride was the First Man's First Sin?
... for they were persuaded to accept a falsehood as being true; namely that God had
forbidden them to touch ... Therefore man's first sin was unbelief and not pride. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether pride was the first.htm

What are the Sins Forbidden in the First Commandment?
... Answer: The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying ... and
insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 105 0 0 what are the.htm

Although the Jews, Then, Pride Themselves on Circumcision, they ...
... Although the Jews, then, pride themselves on circumcision, they will separate it ...
And therefore His disciples are forbidden to circumcise themselves, and are ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii although the jews.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... lying to the southward of Israel, Solomon ventured upon forbidden ground. ... Thus pride,
ambition, prodigality, and indulgence bore fruit in cruelty and exaction. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act.
... man in the open and manifest sin of doing what God had forbidden, had man ... For that
is true which is written, "Pride goeth before destruction, and before honor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 that in adams sin.htm

On the Fall
... But pride and self-will rose up in Adam's heart. ... that he could do what he liked,
and take care of himself; and so he ate the fruit which he was forbidden to eat ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxvi on the fall.htm