Topical Encyclopedia Pride is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a sin that leads to the hardening of the mind and heart, distancing individuals from God and His wisdom. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of pride, illustrating how it can cloud judgment and lead to spiritual downfall.Biblical Examples of Pride and Its Consequences 1. Pharaoh of Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of pride hardening the mind is found in the account of Pharaoh during the Exodus. Despite witnessing the mighty acts of God through the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened due to his pride. Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." His refusal to humble himself before God ultimately led to the destruction of his land and the loss of his army. 2. King Nebuchadnezzar: The account of Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel serves as another illustration. The king's pride in his accomplishments led to a divine judgment where he lost his sanity and lived like an animal. Daniel 4:30-31 records his boastful words: "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" This prideful declaration resulted in his temporary downfall until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. 3. The Pharisees: In the New Testament, the Pharisees exemplify how pride can harden the mind against the truth. Their self-righteousness and pride in their adherence to the law blinded them to the message of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity." Warnings Against Pride The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride, emphasizing its ability to lead individuals away from God. Proverbs 16:18 famously states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride, as it blinds individuals to their need for God and His guidance. James 4:6 further warns, "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 sets one in opposition to God, while humility opens the door to His grace and wisdom. The Hardening Effect of Pride Pride not only distances individuals from God but also hardens their minds, making them resistant to truth and correction. Romans 1:21 describes this process: "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This verse illustrates how pride leads to futile thinking and a darkened understanding, preventing individuals from recognizing their need for repentance and transformation. In summary, the Bible presents pride as a dangerous sin that hardens the mind and heart, leading to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Through various examples and warnings, Scripture calls believers to humility, recognizing that true wisdom and understanding come from acknowledging God's sovereignty and submitting to His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:20But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Description of the Faults which Spring from the Evil of Pride. Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we ... Of the Means of Belief The Signs of the Times The Word The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... Messiah's Innocence vindicated The Impossibility of Renewal. The Godhood of God Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts Resources What does the Bible say about hubris? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is pride a sin? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | 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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