Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a disposition characterized by an unfounded confidence in one's own moral superiority and righteousness. This attitude often leads individuals to judge others harshly while failing to recognize their own faults. The Bible addresses self-righteousness as a spiritual pitfall that can hinder one's relationship with God and others.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 21:2 : "All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." This verse highlights the tendency of individuals to justify their actions and beliefs, often without considering God's perspective. It serves as a reminder that human judgment is limited and flawed, whereas God discerns the true intentions of the heart. 2. Luke 18:9-14 : In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus illustrates the dangers of self-righteousness. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, prays with pride, thanking God that he is not like other men. In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks God's mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, is justified before God, teaching that humility and repentance are valued over self-assured righteousness. 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 inadequacy of human righteousness in the sight of God. It emphasizes that even the best of human deeds are tainted by sin and fall short of God's perfect standard. 4. Romans 10:3 : "Since they did not know the righteousness of God 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 attempted to establish their own righteousness through the law rather than submitting to the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ. 5. Matthew 23:27-28 : Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "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." This critique highlights the danger of outward appearances of righteousness that mask inner corruption. Theological Insights: Self-righteousness is often rooted in pride and a lack of awareness of one's own sinfulness. It can lead to a false sense of security and a reliance on one's own efforts rather than on God's grace. The Bible consistently calls believers to humility, repentance, and a recognition of their need for God's mercy. True righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift from God, imparted through faith in Jesus Christ. Practical Implications: Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, seeking God's guidance and correction. The pursuit of humility and a teachable spirit is essential in overcoming self-righteous tendencies. Engaging in regular self-reflection, prayer, and study of Scripture can help individuals align their lives with God's will and develop a deeper understanding of His righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Blow at Self-Righteousness The Voice Behind Thee None but Jesus part ii. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Christ Our Righteousness. Unsound Spiritual Trading The Two Yokes The Joyous Return North and South 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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