Pride
Key Verse
“…God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
– James 4:6b
Basic Biblical Understanding
Is pride that bad? The short answer is—yes! Scripture repeatedly warns against the dangers of pride (and its variations of arrogance, conceit, self-importance, and vanity). Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Arrogance is an abomination to the Lord and will not go unpunished (Proverbs 16:5). There is more hope for a fool than a prideful person (Proverbs 26:12). Pride deceives us (Obadiah 1:3).
Throughout Scripture, pride is condemned as sinful. It was pride that led to Lucifer’s rebellion (Isaiah 14:12–15). It was pride that caused Nebuchadnezzar’s fall (Daniel 4:28-37). It was pride that preceded King Herod’s gruesome death (Acts 12:20–23). Pride destroys everything it touches.
It is also pride that keeps people enslaved to cycles of sin. Pride is built on the notion of self-reliance. “I don’t need anyone or anything. I can handle my own problems. I can do it myself.” That mindset keeps people enslaved to sin. Start at the word “temptation” and follow it to the right.
The only way to break free from the pride circle is to walk in humility. When we humble ourselves, God infuses grace into our lives (James 4:6). God’s grace does in us, through us, and for us what we could not do for ourselves. Pride destroys; humility honors (Proverbs 29:23).
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.”
– Proverbs 11:2
“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.”
– Proverbs 8:13
Helpful Questions and Application
Pride is manifested in two primary attitudes: self-importance and self-sufficiency. Self-importance says, “I’m better than others.” Self-sufficiency says, “I don’t need others.” Ask God to reveal any areas in your life where either attitude exists.
While pride can be seen as an isolated issue, it’s actually at the core of many sins. Entitlement, ingratitude, foolishness, prayerlessness, and rebellion have pride at the core. Is pride manifesting itself through other means in your life? If so, take the time to repent of each area before God.
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Proverbs 16:18, 29:23, 26:12, 21:4; 1 Corinthians 13:4
WordTruth Article:
”Humility – God’s Path to Edification and Exaltation”
”Is Dying to Self Really Necessary?”