Pride: Leads Men to Wrath
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Pride, a central theme in biblical teachings, is often depicted as a destructive force that leads individuals away from God and towards sin. In the Scriptures, pride is frequently associated with wrath, as it fosters a sense of superiority and entitlement that can result in anger and conflict.

The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride, often manifesting in wrathful behavior. The proud individual, consumed by self-importance, is prone to react with anger when their perceived status or authority is challenged.

In the narrative of King Saul, we see a vivid illustration of pride leading to wrath. Saul's jealousy and prideful desire to maintain his throne led him to wrathful actions against David, whom he perceived as a threat. 1 Samuel 18:8-9 recounts Saul's anger: "Saul was very angry, and this song displeased him. 'They have ascribed to David tens of thousands,' he said, 'but to me they have ascribed only thousands. What more can he have but the kingdom?' And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David." Saul's prideful wrath ultimately contributed to his downfall.

The New Testament also addresses the connection between pride and wrath. James 4:1-2 asks, "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." Here, the apostle James identifies prideful desires as the root of conflict and wrath among believers, urging them to seek humility and submission to God instead.

The account of Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel further exemplifies the link between pride and wrath. Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his accomplishments led to a wrathful decree against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they refused to worship his golden image. Daniel 3:19 describes his reaction: "Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual." His pride-induced wrath resulted in an extreme and unjust punishment.

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the perils of pride, emphasizing its potential to lead to wrath and strife. Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility, recognizing that pride not only distances them from God but also sows discord and anger in their relationships with others.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 21:24
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ...
... to sin under the Law and God's wrath; or lest the ... ungodliness and impiety, your avarice,
malice, pride, hatred, envy ... For he only leads men to do the reverse of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighth sunday after trinity living.htm

The Turning Point
... Surely, sirs, it is worth while making an awful effort to escape from eternal wrath. ...
The very same pride which leads men away from God may be seen in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the turning point.htm

The Impending Conflict
... Thousands who pride themselves upon their wisdom and ... is not binding, he as effectually
leads men to transgress as ... those who choose to obey God rather than men. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... Thousands who pride themselves upon their wisdom and independence ... not binding, he
as effectually leads men to transgress ... who choose to obey God rather than men. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

The Praise of Men.
... humility, for instance, a great virtue, and pride a great ... conquest, and the perverse
temper which leads to jealousy ... more nor less than the praise of good men. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iv the praise of.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... occasions of self-glorification, and all manner of pride. ... As the Lord's Supper leads
the way in that ... to come hear plain, and often illiterate men, preach the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... never will; it is so humbling to human pride, making so ... in addition to this, the
good Spirit leads us into ... and then come down to transgress like men of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Uses of the Law
... the assertion of a cardinal truth leads men to generalise ... answers this purpose, to
tell men that their ... also in him incomprehensible pride, presumption, security ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the uses of the law.htm

Of Prayer
... 9. Advantage of thus suppressing pride. It leads to earnest entreaty for pardon,
accompanied with humble ... Two classes of men sin in regard to this petition. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm

The Two Masters, Self and Truth
... about yourself and to regard yourself with self-complacent pride? ... On that fair path
which leads to heavenly birth!". When men, lost in the devious ways of error ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/the two masters self and.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.org

What 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Pride

Pride is Followed by Debasement

Pride is Followed by Destruction

Pride is Followed by Shame

Pride is Sin

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: Ahithophel

Pride: Assyria

Pride: Babylon

Pride: Belshazzar

Pride: Comes from the Heart

Pride: Defiles a Man

Pride: Edom

Pride: Exhortation Against

Pride: Forbidden

Pride: General Scriptures Concerning

Pride: Haman

Pride: Hardens the Mind

Pride: Hateful to Christ

Pride: Hateful to God

Pride: Herod

Pride: Hezekiah

Pride: Hezekiah, in Displaying his Resources

Pride: Israel

Pride: Judah

Pride: Kings of Tyre

Pride: Laodiceans

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: Leads Men to Wrath

Pride: Moab

Pride: Naaman, Refusing to Wash in the Jordan River

Pride: Nebuchadnezzar

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: Pharaoh

Pride: Saints: Give not Away

Pride: Saints: Hate, in Others

Pride: Saints: Mourn Over, in Others

Pride: Saints: Respect Not, in Others

Pride: Scribes

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

Pride: Tyre

Pride: Uzziah

Pride: Woe To

Related Terms

Arrogance (30 Occurrences)

Uplifted (26 Occurrences)

Arrogancy (16 Occurrences)

Swelling (14 Occurrences)

Vainglory (2 Occurrences)

Overweening (3 Occurrences)

Mocker (11 Occurrences)

Jungle (4 Occurrences)

Insolence (11 Occurrences)

Conceit (14 Occurrences)

Haughtiness (11 Occurrences)

Proud (96 Occurrences)

Novice (1 Occurrence)

Naive (16 Occurrences)

Lowly (29 Occurrences)

Loftiness (10 Occurrences)

Insolent (16 Occurrences)

Feet (2931 Occurrences)

Thickets (14 Occurrences)

Ruthless (21 Occurrences)

Devices (43 Occurrences)

Billows (18 Occurrences)

Boast (86 Occurrences)

Arrogant (60 Occurrences)

Haughty (35 Occurrences)

Dishonor (47 Occurrences)

Washing (56 Occurrences)

Troubles (94 Occurrences)

Gentle (48 Occurrences)

Vanity (100 Occurrences)

Evil-doer (88 Occurrences)

Occupy (25 Occurrences)

Mouths (86 Occurrences)

Evildoers (46 Occurrences)

Evil-doers (122 Occurrences)

Sport (99 Occurrences)

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)

Nets (33 Occurrences)

Necklace (9 Occurrences)

Outburst (8 Occurrences)

Older (43 Occurrences)

Life-time (12 Occurrences)

Wickedness (232 Occurrences)

Well-being (19 Occurrences)

Ill-founded (2 Occurrences)

Flowering (6 Occurrences)

Testifies (19 Occurrences)

Tricks (9 Occurrences)

Restoring (8 Occurrences)

Ruled (84 Occurrences)

Excessive (12 Occurrences)

Ephraim's (14 Occurrences)

Drunkards (10 Occurrences)

Dweller (13 Occurrences)

Mar (7 Occurrences)

Majestic (22 Occurrences)

Puffed (13 Occurrences)

Pastureland (6 Occurrences)

Boastings (5 Occurrences)

Behaves (4 Occurrences)

Boasts (18 Occurrences)

Clefts (10 Occurrences)

Contention (24 Occurrences)

Cracks (9 Occurrences)

Abase (7 Occurrences)

Arrogantly (15 Occurrences)

Assumption (1 Occurrence)

Surging (10 Occurrences)

Shrewd (14 Occurrences)

Self-exaltation (1 Occurrence)

Swell (9 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Rahab (14 Occurrences)

Oldest (58 Occurrences)

Nicanor (1 Occurrence)

Stiff (23 Occurrences)

Devised (35 Occurrences)

Envy (56 Occurrences)

Despite (18 Occurrences)

Pride: Leads Men to Self-Deception
Top of Page
Top of Page