Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a term used to describe an attitude of moral superiority, where individuals believe they are more virtuous or righteous than others. This attitude is often characterized by a focus on one's own perceived goodness and a tendency to judge others harshly. The Bible addresses self-righteousness as a spiritual pitfall that can lead to pride and a lack of genuine humility before God.Biblical References and Teachings 1. Pharisees and Self-Righteousness: The Pharisees are often depicted in the New Testament as embodying self-righteousness. Jesus frequently rebuked them for their outward displays of piety that masked inner corruption. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus 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." 2. The 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 own righteousness, saying, "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." In contrast, the tax collector humbly prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, illustrating that humility and repentance are valued over self-righteousness. 3. Isaiah's Warning: The prophet Isaiah warns against self-righteousness in Isaiah 64:6 , stating, "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 emphasizes that human righteousness is insufficient before God and that reliance on one's own goodness is futile. 4. Paul's Teaching on Righteousness: The Apostle Paul addresses self-righteousness in his epistles, particularly in Romans. In Romans 10:3 , he writes, "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 the importance of seeking righteousness through faith in Christ rather than through one's own efforts. 5. The Danger of Pride: Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Self-righteousness is often rooted in pride, which can lead to spiritual downfall. The Bible consistently teaches that humility is essential for a right relationship with God. Theological Implications Self-righteousness is a barrier to true spiritual growth and communion with God. It blinds individuals to their own need for grace and forgiveness, leading to a reliance on personal merit rather than the redemptive work of Christ. The Bible calls believers to examine their hearts, repent of pride, and seek righteousness through faith and obedience to God's Word. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to cultivate humility and recognize their dependence on God's grace. This involves a continual process of self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to living according to the teachings of Christ. By acknowledging their own shortcomings and extending grace to others, Christians can avoid the trap of self-righteousness and reflect the love and humility of Jesus. 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 Library The Gospel Refuge. The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem Sanctification. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... The Spirit Christ's Witness. The vineyard Labourers. The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. The Warrant of Faith Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Resources What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-worth? | 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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