Topical Bible: Pride: Woe To

◄ Pride: Woe To ►

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Pride, often considered the original sin, is a central theme in the Bible, where it is frequently associated with downfall and divine judgment. The Scriptures consistently warn against pride, emphasizing its destructive nature and the woe it brings upon individuals and nations.

Biblical Warnings Against Pride

The Bible provides numerous warnings about the dangers of pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride, serving as a cautionary reminder of its perilous consequences.

In Isaiah 2:11-12 , the prophet declares, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men will be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. 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." Here, Isaiah prophesies the humbling of the proud on the Day of the Lord, underscoring the divine opposition to human arrogance.

Examples of Pride and Its Consequences

The Bible provides several examples of individuals and nations who suffered due to their pride. One notable example is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In Daniel 4:30-32 , 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?" As a result of his pride, God humbles him, and he is driven away from society until he acknowledges God's sovereignty.

Another example is the fall of Lucifer, as described in Isaiah 14:12-15 . Lucifer's pride led to his rebellion against God, resulting in his expulsion from heaven: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! ... You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God... But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit."

Divine Opposition to the Proud

The Bible makes it clear that God opposes the proud. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse emphasizes that pride places individuals in direct opposition to God, while humility aligns them with His grace.

Similarly, 1 Peter 5:5 echoes this sentiment: "Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" The call to humility is a recurring theme, highlighting the importance of submission and the dangers of pride.

Pride in the Context of Nations

The Bible also addresses the pride of nations and their subsequent judgment. In Obadiah 1:3-4 , the prophet speaks against Edom: "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD." This passage illustrates how national pride can lead to a false sense of security and eventual downfall.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays pride as a sin that leads to woe and destruction. Through warnings, examples, and divine opposition, the Scriptures call believers to embrace humility and recognize the sovereignty of God, avoiding the pitfalls of pride that have ensnared many throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 28:1,3
Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Petilianus Said: "Woe unto You, Therefore, Who...
... Petilianus said: "Woe unto you, therefore, who, by doing violence to what is holy,
cut away the bond of ... Do you perceive of how devilish a nature your pride is? ...
/.../chapter 106 240 petilianus.htm

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... THE JUDGMENT OF DRUNKARDS AND MOCKERS. 'Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards
of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the judgment of drunkards and.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... and in such a view we shall find food for the deepest humiliation, but nothing to
nourish pride. Accordingly, Isaiah exclaimed in agony of soul "Woe is me! ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... Christ spoke, having their hearts defiled with carnal hopes and self-righteous pride,
failed to ... and xxxvii; Hebrews 11:36-38.] ^c 24 But woe unto you that are ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 2.htm

Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ...
... of the rich [4002] "I mean, their pride, their pomp, [4003] their love of the world,
and their contempt of God, owing to which they deserve the woe of the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xv sermon on the mount.htm

Isaiah's Discourse
... Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower
of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley of them that are ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv isaiahs discourse.htm

An Hymn of Heavenly Love
... Many lewd lays (ah! woe is me the more!). In ... The firstling of His joy, in Whom
no jot. Of love's dislike or pride was to be found,. Whom ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/iv an hymn of heavenly.htm

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
... It was a custom which ministered to pride and self-righteousness.] 39 The Lord said
to ... defilement"Matthew 15:11; Titus 1:15; Romans 14:4.] 42 But woe unto you ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/li dining with a pharisee.htm

Of Holy Humility
... reply: "Rest assured, my brother, that thou canst never hope to be free from pride
until thou ... But woe to those who desire to be honoured in their unworthiness! ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter iii of holy humility.htm

How all the Saints have Confessed with Truth that they were ...
... For when he says: "Woe is me! ... "Behold," he says, "Thou art angry and we have sinned,"
ie, when Thou didst reject our pride of heart or our carelessness, and ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvii how all the.htm