Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a condition where an individual considers themselves morally superior or more virtuous than others, is consistently denounced throughout the Scriptures. This attitude is often characterized by a reliance on one's own perceived righteousness rather than on God's grace and mercy. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that warn against the dangers of self-righteousness, emphasizing humility and the need for genuine repentance.Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of self-righteousness, particularly among the Israelites who often fell into the trap of believing their covenant status or adherence to the law made them inherently righteous. In Isaiah 64:6, the prophet declares, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away." This verse underscores the futility of self-righteousness, illustrating that human efforts are insufficient without God's intervention. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature also speaks against self-righteousness. Proverbs 30:12 states, "There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes, and pretentious are their glances—who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth." This proverb highlights the blindness that often accompanies self-righteousness, where individuals fail to recognize their own sinfulness. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ Himself frequently addressing the issue. In the Gospels, the Pharisees are often depicted as epitomes of self-righteousness. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire." In contrast, the tax collector humbly prays for mercy. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." The Apostle Paul also addresses self-righteousness in his epistles. In Romans 10:3, he writes about the Israelites, "For they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God’s righteousness." Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from the law or one's own efforts. The Danger of Hypocrisy Self-righteousness often leads to hypocrisy, a behavior Jesus strongly condemns. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes against the scribes and Pharisees, calling them "hypocrites" for their outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption. Matthew 23:27-28 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Call to Humility and Repentance The biblical denunciation of self-righteousness is a call to humility and repentance. 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 Scriptures consistently teach that true righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, repent of pride, and seek God's righteousness above their own. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 23:27,28Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like to white washed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ... God's Word not to be Refused John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ... The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... General Index. The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. Resources What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-worth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Righteousness is Boastful Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But External Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But Partial Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Ineffectual for Salvation Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: No Better than Filthy Rags Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Unprofitable Self-Righteousness: Church of Laodicea Self-Righteousness: Denunciation Against Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Righteousness: Hateful to God Self-Righteousness: Illustrated Self-Righteousness: Man is Prone To Self-Righteousness: Saints Renounce Self-Righteousness: The Laodicean Congregation Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Abominable Before God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Pure in Their own Eyes Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Audaciously Approach God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Condemn Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Consider Their own Way Right Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Despise Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Proclaim Their own Goodness Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Reject the Righteousness of God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Before Men Self-Righteousness: Warning Against Supererogation: The Doctrine of Excessive and Meritorious Righteousness Related Terms |
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