Topical Encyclopedia Pride, a sin that is often highlighted in the Scriptures, is considered a grave offense against God. It is characterized by an inflated sense of one's own worth or abilities, often leading to a disregard for others and a rebellion against divine authority. The Bible consistently warns against pride, illustrating its destructive consequences and the divine judgment that follows those who harbor it.Biblical Warnings Against Pride The Bible is replete with admonitions against pride, emphasizing that it leads to downfall and destruction. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse succinctly captures the inevitable outcome of pride: it precedes ruin and collapse. The proud are often blind to their own vulnerabilities, setting themselves up for failure. Consequences of Pride Scripture provides numerous examples of individuals and nations who suffered due to their pride. One of the most notable is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In Daniel 4:30-31 , Nebuchadnezzar boasts about his achievements, saying, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His pride leads to his downfall, as God humbles him by driving him away from human society until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. Similarly, the account of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus illustrates the marred fate of the proud. Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before God and release the Israelites results in devastating plagues upon Egypt, culminating in the loss of his firstborn son and the destruction of his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28). Divine Opposition to the Proud God's opposition to the proud is a recurring theme in the Bible. James 4:6 declares, "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 divine resistance faced by those who elevate themselves above others and reject God's authority. The proud are not only marred by their own actions but also by the active opposition of God. The Humbling of the Proud The Bible also speaks of the humbling process that the proud undergo. In Isaiah 2:12 , it is written, "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." This prophetic declaration highlights the certainty of divine intervention against pride, ensuring that those who exalt themselves will be brought low. Pride and Its Marred Legacy The legacy of pride is one of ruin and disgrace. Proverbs 11:2 warns, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." The proud are often left with a tarnished reputation and a legacy of folly. Their achievements, once a source of pride, become a testament to their downfall. In conclusion, the Bible's teachings on pride serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of self-exaltation. Those who are guilty of pride are assured of being marred, both by their own actions and by the divine judgment that follows. The Scriptures call for humility and submission to God's will, offering grace and wisdom to those who choose the path of humility. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 13:9Thus said the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to ... A Blow at Self-Righteousness Christ the Conqueror of Satan Genesis iii. 22 Letter xiv. To Anastasius, Bishop of Thessalonica. Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Sermon on the Mount. Paragraphs from Notable Speeches 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 |