Topical Bible: Pride is Followed by Shame

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The concept that pride precedes shame is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers of arrogance and self-exaltation. This principle is rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament and is echoed throughout Scripture, serving as a warning against the perils of pride and the inevitable consequences that follow.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 11:2 : "When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom." This verse succinctly captures the contrast between pride and humility. Pride leads to disgrace, a public or personal downfall, while humility is associated with wisdom and honor.

2. Proverbs 16:18 : "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This well-known proverb highlights the inevitable downfall that follows pride. The imagery of a "fall" suggests a sudden and often catastrophic collapse, underscoring the danger of a haughty spirit.

3. Proverbs 29:23 : "A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor." Here, the contrast is again drawn between the outcomes of pride and humility. Pride results in being brought low, a state of shame and dishonor, while humility leads to honor and respect.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, pride is often seen as the root of sin, originating with the fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-15). This act of rebellion set the stage for the understanding of pride as a fundamental opposition to God's authority and order.

In the New Testament, the theme of pride leading to shame is further developed. Jesus' teachings often highlight the virtue of humility and the dangers of self-exaltation. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus illustrates how pride in one's own righteousness leads to spiritual blindness and shame, while humility before God results in justification and honor.

Practical Implications:

The biblical warning against pride serves as a call to self-examination and humility. Believers are encouraged to recognize their dependence on God and to avoid the temptation to elevate themselves above others. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes Christians to adopt a posture of humility, following the example of Christ, who "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, pride was often associated with kings and rulers who exalted themselves through monuments, inscriptions, and conquests. The biblical narrative frequently contrasts these figures with humble leaders like Moses and David, who, despite their flaws, sought to honor God above themselves.

The biblical admonition that pride is followed by shame serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of self-exaltation. It calls individuals to live in a manner that honors God and respects others, recognizing that true wisdom and honor come from a humble heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

St. Andrew's Day. And Jesus Saith unto Them, Follow Me. . . And ...
... And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. ... Counts Thy lowly yoke a shame,.
To Thy name, Lord, hath no right,. ... Not with kingly pomp and pride,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/st andrews day and jesus.htm

Excellency of the Christian Institution.
... IT is owing to pride, and a secret affectation of a ... so scandalized, that he, whom
he had so long followed, should suffer the ignominy, shame, and death ...
/.../sect vi excellency of the.htm

Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
... to die with those, without whom he would think it shame to live ... which we were
scandalized was the luxury, the pride, the pomp, which followed you everywhere ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xix a d 1127 to.htm

That in Adam's Sin an Evil Will Preceded the Evil Act.
... from that light by which, had he followed it, he ... For that is true which is written,
"Pride goeth before ... when he says, "Fill their faces with shame, that they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 that in adams sin.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress of 1352
... the fourteenth century, and of the two centuries that followed. ... Blood, and suffered
a death of shame, and yet ... he gave them to understand that the pride of life ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlvii the pilgrims progress.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way," Etc.
... hate them whose faces he desired to be filled with shame? ... 5. But he had been swollen
up by pride, and by ... had left all they had and had already followed the Lord ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcii on the same.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... foulest vices are indulged in without shame; or, if ... have not so renounced themselves
have followed virtue at ... reason than as a ground for indulging in pride. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ...
... are told marks the perfect man and the upright, but the death of lowest shame, the
criminal ... Boastful pride, broken in death, but still followed by another ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter iv but we must.htm

Ignorance of Evil.
... well to confess sin in detail with shame as an ... men who have it are tempted to pride
themselves; I ... Reflections such as these, followed up, show us how different ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xviii ignorance of evil.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... is finished!" With Magdalene and Nicodemus, you have followed his dead ... of it as you
have had of his shame. ... got him victory upon Pharaoh and the pride of Egypt! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm