Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a term often associated with an inflated sense of one's own righteousness or moral superiority, is a recurring theme in the Bible, where it is depicted as a significant spiritual pitfall. The folly of self-righteousness is highlighted through various narratives and teachings, emphasizing the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. Pharisees and the Law: The Pharisees are frequently cited as epitomes of self-righteousness. In the Gospels, Jesus often rebukes them for their outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "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." 2. Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his religious deeds, while the tax collector humbly asks for God's 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." 3. Isaiah's Warning: The prophet Isaiah warns against self-righteousness, emphasizing that human righteousness is insufficient before God. Isaiah 64:6 states, "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." 4. Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul addresses the folly of self-righteousness in his epistles. In Romans 10:3 , he writes about the Israelites, "Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness." Paul underscores that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through the law or human effort. 5. Job's Friends: In the Book of Job, Job's friends exhibit self-righteous attitudes, assuming that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. Their failure to understand God's sovereignty and Job's integrity highlights the limitations of human judgment and the danger of self-righteous assumptions. Spiritual Implications Self-righteousness is fundamentally a form of pride, which the Bible consistently warns against. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The self-righteous person relies on their own perceived moral superiority rather than on God's grace and mercy. This attitude not only alienates individuals from God but also from others, as it fosters judgmentalism and a lack of compassion. Call to Humility The Scriptures call believers to humility and reliance on God's righteousness. James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" True righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is marked by a life of humility, repentance, and love for others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 9:20If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Self-Respect and Self-Righteousness Job. A Blow at Self-Righteousness Secret Sins For whom did Christ Die? An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Indexes and Tables Washed to Greater Foulness Effects of Messiah's Appearance Hymns and Spiritual Songs Resources What does the Bible say about self-righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | 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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