Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a condition of the heart where an individual considers themselves morally superior or more virtuous than others, often leading to a judgmental attitude. This tendency is deeply rooted in human nature and is addressed multiple times throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against self-righteousness, emphasizing the importance of humility and reliance on God's grace.Biblical Examples and Warnings 1. Pharisees and Religious Leaders: The Gospels frequently highlight the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and other religious leaders of Jesus' time. They are often depicted as being more concerned with outward appearances and strict adherence to the law than with genuine righteousness and compassion. Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). 2. Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the self-righteousness of a Pharisee with the humility of a tax collector. The Pharisee boasts of his own righteousness, saying, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, and Jesus declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. 3. Isaiah's Rebuke: The prophet Isaiah warns against self-righteousness, emphasizing that human righteousness is insufficient before God. He writes, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). This passage underscores the futility of relying on one's own righteousness for salvation. 4. Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul addresses self-righteousness in his letters, particularly in Romans. He explains that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin and that no one can be justified by the works of the law. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human effort. Human Nature and the Tendency Toward Self-Righteousness The Bible acknowledges that self-righteousness is a common human tendency. This inclination stems from pride and the desire to justify oneself apart from God. Proverbs warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). This verse highlights the danger of relying on one's own understanding and righteousness. The Call to Humility and Dependence on God Scripture consistently calls believers to humility and dependence on God's grace rather than their own merits. James writes, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (James 4:6). The call to humility is a reminder that true righteousness is found in Christ alone. Conclusion The Bible's teachings on self-righteousness serve as a caution against the prideful belief in one's own moral superiority. Through various examples and teachings, Scripture encourages believers to seek righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ and to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 20:6Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 30:12 Library Interview of Christ with Nicodcmus. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Grace Triumphant The Fainting Soul Revived Washed to Greater Foulness The Nature of Spiritual Hunger The Blind Beggar Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. Storming the Battlements Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. 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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