Topical Encyclopedia Pride, a sin that elevates the self above others and even above God, is consistently condemned throughout Scripture. It is a condition of the heart that leads to downfall and destruction. The Bible warns that those who harbor pride will ultimately face scattering and ruin as a consequence of their arrogance.The scattering of the proud is a theme that appears in various passages, illustrating the divine judgment that befalls those who exalt themselves. In the Old Testament, the account of the Tower of Babel serves as a poignant example. The people, in their pride, sought to build a tower reaching the heavens to make a name for themselves. In response, God scattered them across the earth, confounding their language and thwarting their plans (Genesis 11:4-9). The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the fate of the proud. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse underscores the inevitable downfall that accompanies pride, often resulting in a scattering of one's plans, resources, or influence. The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the scattering of the proud. 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 passage highlights the divine intervention that humbles the proud, scattering their ambitions and bringing them low. In the New Testament, the theme continues with the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise. In Luke 1:51 , Mary declares, "He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts." This verse reflects the consistent biblical message that God actively opposes the proud, scattering their thoughts and intentions. The scattering of the proud is not merely a physical dispersion but also a spiritual and emotional fracturing. It serves as a divine corrective, intended to humble the heart and redirect it towards God. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" The scattering is thus both a judgment and an opportunity for repentance and transformation. Throughout Scripture, the scattering of the proud serves as a warning and a call to humility. It is a reminder that pride leads to separation from God and others, while humility brings grace and restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 1:51He has showed strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Second Part. Sixth Commandment Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ... The Repentance of Believers Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Epistle i. To Donatus. Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... Chastisement 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 |