Topical Encyclopedia Definition and NatureSelf-righteousness is a term used to describe an attitude of moral superiority, where an individual believes they are more virtuous or morally upright than others. This attitude often leads to judgmental behavior and a lack of humility. In the biblical context, self-righteousness is seen as a spiritual pitfall, as it places one's own perceived righteousness above the righteousness that comes from God. Biblical Illustrations 1. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) One of the most poignant illustrations of self-righteousness is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Jesus tells this parable to some who "trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18:9). 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" (Luke 18:11-12). In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, unwilling to even lift his eyes to heaven, and prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, illustrating that self-righteousness is not pleasing to God. 2. The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) The encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler also highlights self-righteousness. The young man approaches Jesus, asking, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus responds by listing the commandments, to which the young man replies, "All these I have kept since my youth. What do I still lack?" (Matthew 19:20). Jesus then challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him, revealing the young man's attachment to wealth and his reliance on his own righteousness rather than complete trust in God. 3. The Elder Brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:25-32) In the parable of the prodigal son, the elder brother exemplifies self-righteousness. When the younger brother returns home after squandering his inheritance, the father welcomes him with open arms and a celebratory feast. The elder brother, however, becomes angry and refuses to join the celebration, saying, "Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours, yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends" (Luke 15:29). His self-righteousness blinds him to the grace and forgiveness extended by the father, representing God's grace. Warnings Against Self-Righteousness The Bible consistently warns against self-righteousness, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from God alone. Isaiah 64:6 states, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" , underscoring the inadequacy of human righteousness. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:9, expressing his desire to "be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith" . Conclusion While self-righteousness is a common human tendency, the Bible calls believers to humility and reliance on God's grace. True righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:10-12Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Ceremonies and Discipline Op the Church as Illustrated by ... Sin and Grace Christ's Discourses in Per??a - Close of the Per??an Ministry Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness Deuteronomy The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ... The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ... Predestination and Calling Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... 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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