Topical Bible: Pride: They Who are Guilty of, Shall Be: Recompensed

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Pride, a cardinal sin in Christian theology, is often depicted in the Bible as a precursor to downfall and divine judgment. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of pride, emphasizing that those who harbor it will face recompense from God. This entry explores the biblical perspective on pride and the consequences that befall those who indulge in it.

Biblical Definition and Nature of Pride

Pride is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of humility before God and others. It is often associated with arrogance, self-exaltation, and a refusal to acknowledge one's dependence on God. The Bible frequently contrasts pride with humility, urging believers to adopt a humble spirit.

Scriptural Warnings Against Pride

The Bible contains numerous admonitions against pride, highlighting its destructive nature. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse succinctly captures the inevitable downfall that accompanies prideful behavior. Similarly, Proverbs 11:2 warns, "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom."

Consequences of Pride

The Scriptures are clear that pride leads to divine judgment and recompense. In the Old Testament, the account of King Nebuchadnezzar serves as a poignant example. His prideful declaration, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30), resulted in God humbling him by driving him away from human society until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.

In the New Testament, James 4:6 reiterates the theme of divine opposition to the proud: "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 spiritual recompense awaiting those who persist in pride, as God actively resists them.

Examples of Pride and Recompense in Scripture

1. Lucifer's Fall: The fall of Lucifer, as described in Isaiah 14:12-15, is a quintessential example of pride leading to divine recompense. Lucifer's desire to ascend above God resulted in his expulsion from heaven.

2. Pharaoh's Stubbornness: In Exodus, Pharaoh's prideful refusal to release the Israelites led to a series of plagues and ultimately the destruction of his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28).

3. Herod's Demise: In Acts 12:21-23, King Herod's acceptance of divine praise led to his immediate judgment by God, resulting in his death.

The Call to Humility

The Bible not only warns against pride but also calls believers to embrace humility. Philippians 2:3 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This call to humility is a safeguard against the destructive path of pride and aligns believers with God's will.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative is clear: pride is a sin that leads to divine recompense. Through various examples and teachings, the Scriptures urge believers to forsake pride and pursue humility, aligning themselves with God's grace and favor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 31:23
O love the LORD, all you his saints: for the LORD preserves the faithful, and plentifully rewards the proud doer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Pride Catechized
... according to thy mind?" Who are you, a guilty sinner, to ... to suit you, my lord, with
all your wealth and pride. ... if they mean what I think they do, they teach us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/pride catechized.htm

Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity.
... acknowledge themselves before God to be guilty and deserving ... And, again, that they
might know how he will ... condemn the others"those who, in pride and security ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/trinity sunday the article of.htm

Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ...
... elsewhere seen, that in order to humble the pride of the ... That if all are guilty all
shall receive the same ... In giving to some what they do not merit, he shows ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 23 refutation of the.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... which they had wasted many a guilty hour, should no ... If the gospel has humbled our
pride, corrected our ... and in the assured hope, that they shall be recompensed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
... souls are fed, while their whole delight consists in pride, ambition, and the ... the
tyrants of this age deeply to consider; for they shall be guilty, not only ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /a sermon on isaiah xxvi.htm

This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... defiance, but of devotion; not as being puffed up with pride, but fired ... that was
to be dreaded; but that if they were guilty of impiety, they should undergo ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm

Rom. xi. 7
... of some allayment he proves them guilty of confessed ... But he again lays their pride
low by proceeding to ... "How unsearchable are His judgments." For they are not ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xix rom xi 7.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... contemplated Adam's race as fallen, sinful, corrupt, guilty. ... what greater instance
of pride can be ... which death of punishment they shall inevitably undergo, and ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

B. The Second Stages. Chs. 13:22 to 17:10
... worldly wisdom, nor was he advising the pride that masquerades ... than to allow himself
to become guilty of such a ... Jesus warned his followers lest they might lead ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second stages chs.htm

Ephesians iv. 1, 2
... for thee." Paul glories in bonds; and dost thou pride thyself in ... neither were they
who bound them, nor they who cast them into the furnace, guilty of so ...
/.../homily viii ephesians iv 1.htm