Topical Encyclopedia Pride, often considered the original sin, is a condition of the heart that exalts oneself above others and, ultimately, above God. It is a sin that leads to a multitude of other sins and is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible warns that those who harbor pride will face divine punishment, as it is an affront to the holiness and sovereignty of God.Biblical Warnings Against Pride The Bible is replete with admonitions against pride, emphasizing its destructive nature and the certainty of punishment for those who indulge in it. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse succinctly captures the inevitable downfall that accompanies pride, highlighting the direct correlation between a prideful heart and impending ruin. 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 opposition of God to the proud is clear, indicating that pride sets one against the Almighty, leading to divine resistance and judgment. Examples of Punishment for Pride in Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and nations punished for their pride. One of the most notable is the account of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful ruler of Babylon, became prideful and attributed his success to his own might. As a result, God humbled him by driving him away from human society to live like an animal until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37). Another example is found in the account of Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12:21-23 . Herod, filled with pride, accepted the people's acclamation of him as a god. Consequently, "an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." This account serves as a stark reminder of the immediate and severe consequences of pride. The Fate of Nations Pride is not only an individual sin but can also characterize entire nations, leading to their downfall. The prophet Obadiah prophesied against Edom, a nation guilty of pride, declaring, "The pride of your heart has deceived you... Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD" (Obadiah 1:3-4). Edom's pride led to its eventual destruction, illustrating that no nation is immune to the consequences of pride. God's Justice and Mercy While the Bible clearly states that pride will be punished, it also offers hope for those willing to repent. The call to humility is a recurring theme, with promises of grace and restoration for those who turn from pride. 1 Peter 5:6 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." In summary, the biblical narrative consistently portrays pride as a grievous sin that incurs God's judgment. Through various examples and teachings, Scripture warns of the inevitable punishment awaiting those who persist in pride, while simultaneously extending the promise of grace to the humble and repentant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zephaniah 2:10,11This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 4:1 Library The Second Part. Sixth Commandment On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... Letter civ. (AD 409. ) Pride Catechized The Unbeliever's Unhappy Condition The Justice of God Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude. A Home Question Acts iv. 36, 37 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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