Topical Encyclopedia Pride, often considered one of the seven deadly sins, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It is characterized by an inflated sense of one's personal status or accomplishments, often leading to a disregard for others and a lack of humility before God. The Scriptures consistently warn against pride, emphasizing the importance of humility and the dangers of self-exaltation.Biblical Warnings Against Pride The Bible frequently admonishes believers to avoid pride and to cultivate humility. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that accompanies pride, serving as a cautionary reminder of its destructive nature. In the New Testament, James 4:6 echoes this sentiment: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Here, the apostle James underscores the opposition that pride incurs from God, contrasting it with the grace bestowed upon the humble. Saints' Disregard for Pride in Others Throughout the Bible, saints and righteous individuals are depicted as having little respect for pride in others, often confronting it directly. One notable example is the prophet Daniel, who interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. In Daniel 4:37 , after Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, he declares, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride." Daniel's role in this narrative illustrates the saint's commitment to addressing pride and guiding others toward humility. Similarly, the apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the issue of pride within the early Christian communities. In 1 Corinthians 4:7 , Paul challenges the Corinthians, asking, "For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" Paul's rhetorical questions serve to remind believers of their dependence on God's grace and the futility of prideful boasting. The Example of Jesus Christ The ultimate example of humility and the rejection of pride is found in Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-8 describes Christ's humility: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, 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." Jesus' life and teachings consistently exemplified humility and servanthood, providing a model for believers to follow. His interactions with the Pharisees, who were often characterized by pride and self-righteousness, further demonstrate His disregard for pride in others. In Matthew 23:12 , Jesus warns, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently portrays pride as a vice that saints and righteous individuals do not respect in others. Through the examples of figures like Daniel, Paul, and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Scriptures call believers to a life of humility, warning of the dangers of pride and the blessings of a humble heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 40:4Blessed is that man that makes the LORD his trust, and respects not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... Of Prayer Matt. xix. 27 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan The Wedding Garment The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ). Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Psalm CXIX. Resources Should a Christian have swag / swagger? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so many tragedies among celebrities? | GotQuestions.org How can an elder come under the same condemnation as the devil (1 Timothy 3:6)? | 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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