Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a condition of the heart where an individual perceives themselves as morally superior or more virtuous than others, often based on their own standards rather than God's. This attitude is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it leads to pride, judgmentalism, and a lack of true humility before God.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 30:12 : "There is a generation—how pure in their own eyes—yet they are not cleansed of their filth." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of self-righteousness, where individuals consider themselves pure, yet remain unaware of their own sinfulness. 2. Luke 18:9-14 : In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus illustrates the dangers of self-righteousness. 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." In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. 3. Isaiah 64:6 : "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 passage underscores the futility of self-righteousness, as even our best deeds are tainted by sin and fall short of God's holiness. 4. Romans 10:3 : "For they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God’s righteousness." Paul addresses the issue of self-righteousness among the Israelites, who, in their zeal, attempted to create their own standard of righteousness rather than submitting to God's. Characteristics of Self-Righteousness: · Pride and Arrogance: Self-righteous individuals often exhibit a sense of superiority over others, believing they are more virtuous or morally upright. · Judgmental Attitude: They tend to judge others harshly, focusing on the faults and shortcomings of others while ignoring their own. · Lack of Humility: True humility requires recognizing one's own sinfulness and need for God's grace, something self-righteous individuals struggle to acknowledge. · Reliance on Works: Self-righteousness often involves a reliance on personal achievements or adherence to religious rituals as a means of earning favor with God, rather than trusting in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Warnings Against Self-Righteousness: The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of self-righteousness. Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their self-righteous attitudes, emphasizing the importance of humility and repentance. In Matthew 23:27-28 , He says, "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." The Call to True Righteousness: True righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:9 states, "And 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." Believers are called to live in humility, recognizing their dependence on God's grace and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 30:12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber Blessed are the Poor in Spirit The Voice Behind Thee Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... "The House of Israel" Life. None but Jesus The Spirit not Striving Always. Evidences Internal and Experimental. Acts 26:24-29. Portraits. 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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