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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"><title>What does the Bible say about pride?</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../cmenus/proverbs/16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmq/proverbs/16-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="index.html">Questions</a> > Home</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/berean/menu.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="key_questions_about_adam_and_eve.htm" title="Key questions about Adam and Eve?">◄</a> What does the Bible say about pride? <a href="what_did_jesus_mean_by_'this_generation'.htm" title="What did Jesus mean by 'this generation'?">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="chap"><div class="vheading">What does the Bible say about pride?</div><p class="que"><b>Definition of Pride</b><p>Pride, as presented in Scripture, is the attitude or condition of the heart where a person exalts themselves over God or others. In Hebrew, terms such as גַּאֲוָה (ga’avah) convey arrogance or lofty self-confidence, while in Greek, words like ὑπερηφανία (hyperēphania) connote an inflated sense of self-importance. Far from harmless self-esteem, biblical pride elevates the individual above dependence on God and fosters rebellion against His authority.<p><b>Biblical Warnings Against Pride</b><p>The Bible offers frequent and direct admonitions against pride. It identifies pride as a destructive force that precedes and causes moral and spiritual downfall. <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a> famously states, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Similarly, <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a> says, “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” In both passages, the danger is clear: pride causes individuals to rely on themselves instead of submitting to God’s sovereignty.<p>Scripture also connects pride with other sins, describing it as an attitude that prevents people from receiving God’s truth. <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4</a> asserts, “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.” A prideful heart effectively closes the door to divine wisdom.<p><b>Consequences of Pride</b><p>Pride not only sets individuals against God, but it also yields tangible consequences. According to <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a>, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” Scripture and numerous historical accounts-both secular and biblical-illustrate that once arrogance takes root, downfall is inevitable.<p>• <b>Spiritual Distancing</b>: Pride leads to spiritual blindness. When people trust their own understanding over God’s Word, they become resistant to correction and harden their hearts toward guidance and truth.<p>• <b>Moral Decay</b>: Pride cuts people off from genuine interactions with others. A proud heart undermines moral and ethical behavior, as self-interest becomes paramount.<p>• <b>Divine Judgment</b>: In biblical examples such as King Nebuchadnezzar (<a href="/daniel/4-30.htm">Daniel 4:30-37</a>), pride resulted in judgment from on high, only being alleviated once humility was embraced.<p><b>Examples of Pride in Scripture</b><p>The Bible offers multiple narratives that showcase the consequences of pride:<p>1. <b>Lucifer (<a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a>)</b>: The passage alludes to the downfall of a lofty being who sought to exalt himself above the Most High. This prideful rebellion caused a complete fall from glory.<p>2. <b>Adam and Eve (<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-7</a>)</b>: Though not always labeled “pride” explicitly, their desire to be like God-knowing good and evil-demonstrates the pattern of self-exaltation over obedience.<p>3. <b>Pharaoh (<a href="/bsb/exodus/5.htm">Exodus 5-14</a>)</b>: Pharaoh’s refusal to submit to God’s command to let the Israelites go provides a powerful illustration of how pride can harden a leader’s heart, culminating in devastating plagues.<p>4. <b>King Saul (<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/15.htm">1 Samuel 15</a>)</b>: Saul disobeyed God’s instructions, leading to his loss of kingship. His pride in setting up a monument to himself reflected a refusal to honor God fully, resulting in a fractured life and reign.<p><b>God’s View of Pride</b><p>Throughout Scripture, God stands resolutely against pride. Because pride stands in opposition to recognizing His authority, it is seen as a root sin that spawns many other transgressions. <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a> notes, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.”<p>History and archaeological studies concerning ancient civilizations-such as records of Assyrian kings who boasted of their conquests-parallel biblical accounts that document the downfall of prideful rulers. These extra-biblical sources reinforce the principle repeated in Scripture that arrogance rarely survives scrutiny or judgment.<p><b>Humility as the Godly Alternative</b><p>Scripture consistently contrasts pride with humility. Humility recognizes dependence on God’s power and wisdom, leading individuals to seek divine guidance. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a> instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.”<p>• <b>Christ’s Example</b>: Jesus offered the most striking model of humility. <a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-7</a> describes how He “emptied Himself” to become a servant, culminating in His sacrificial death.<p>• <b>Divine Favor</b>: <a href="/isaiah/57-15.htm">Isaiah 57:15</a> declares God’s posture toward the humble: “For this is what the High and Exalted One says… ‘I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and humble in spirit…’” Humble hearts draw near to the Lord and receive His help and presence.<p><b>Practical Applications</b><p>1. <b>Examination of Motives</b>: Believers are encouraged to evaluate their hearts regularly. Pride can creep in under the guise of self-confidence or talent.<p>2. <b>Willingness to Listen and Learn</b>: A teachable spirit resists pride. The more receptive one is to correction-from Scripture, mentors, peers-the less foothold pride holds.<p>3. <b>Servant Leadership</b>: Emulating Christ’s model of service protects against inflated ambitions. Leadership, whether in home, church, or community, must be rooted in serving, not elevating oneself.<p>4. <b>Dependence on God</b>: Daily prayer fosters humility by recognizing the need for God’s direction. Trust in Him for provision and wisdom, rather than relying on one’s own achievements.<p><b>Key Scriptures</b><p>• <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a> - “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”<p>• <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a> - “But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”<p>• <a href="/psalms/10-4.htm">Psalm 10:4</a> - “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.”<p>• <a href="/proverbs/29-23.htm">Proverbs 29:23</a> - “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.”<p>• <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a> - “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.”<p>These passages underscore that Scripture consistently decries pride. The biblical narrative identifies pride as a primary barrier to fellowship with God, warns of its destructive power, and offers humility-modeled by Christ-as the surest remedy.</div><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center"><br><br><a href="index.html">Bible Hub Questions and Answers</a><br><span class="p"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="key_questions_about_adam_and_eve.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Key questions about Adam and Eve?"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Key questions about Adam and Eve?" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="what_did_jesus_mean_by_'this_generation'.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="What did Jesus mean by 'this generation'?"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="What did Jesus mean by 'this generation'?" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhchapnoad.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>