Topical Encyclopedia Pride, as depicted in the Bible, is a condition of the heart that exalts oneself above others and, most grievously, above God. It is considered a fundamental sin that leads to a multitude of other transgressions. The Scriptures consistently portray pride as detestable to God, emphasizing its destructive nature and the divine opposition it incurs.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 6:16-17 · "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood..." . Here, "haughty eyes" symbolize pride and arrogance, indicating that such an attitude is among the foremost of sins that God abhors. 2. Proverbs 8:13 · "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." . This verse underscores the incompatibility of pride with the fear of the Lord, highlighting that true reverence for God involves a rejection of pride. 3. Proverbs 16:5 · "Everyone proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished." . This passage warns of the inevitable judgment that awaits those who harbor pride, affirming God's active opposition to the proud. 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." . Isaiah prophesies the humbling of the proud, emphasizing that God's ultimate purpose is to exalt Himself alone. 5. James 4:6 · "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" . The New Testament reiterates the Old Testament's teaching, showing that pride places one in direct opposition to God, while humility attracts His grace. 6. 1 Peter 5:5 · "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" . Peter echoes the sentiment found in James, urging believers to adopt humility as a safeguard against divine opposition. Theological Implications: Pride is often seen as the root of all sin, as it involves a self-centeredness that denies God's rightful place as sovereign. It is the sin that led to the fall of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15) and the downfall of humanity in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:5-6). Pride distorts one's perception of self and others, leading to a false sense of independence from God. The biblical narrative consistently calls for humility as the antidote to pride. Humility is not merely a passive virtue but an active submission to God's will and acknowledgment of His supremacy. The call to humility is a call to align oneself with God's purposes, recognizing that all good things come from Him and that human boasting is futile. Practical Considerations: Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts for traces of pride, understanding that it can manifest in various forms, such as self-righteousness, arrogance, and an unteachable spirit. The Christian life is marked by a continual process of sanctification, where pride is progressively rooted out through the work of the Holy Spirit and the believer's cooperation with divine grace. In community life, pride can disrupt unity and fellowship. Therefore, Christians are urged to "consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3) and to serve one another in love, reflecting the humility of Christ, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8). In summary, pride is a sin that God detests, as it challenges His authority and disrupts the harmony of His creation. The biblical call is to embrace humility, recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 6:16,17These six things does the LORD hate: yes, seven are an abomination to him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 16:5 Library Man's Greatness and God's Greatness. Immense is this Reward. How Shall we Obtain It? Immense is this Reward. How Shall we Obtain It? Continual Union in Spirit with God the End of Man's Creation... Barriers Broken Down God's Will and Man's Will Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. A God in Pain On the Nativity of John the Baptist the First Sermon 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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