Pride, and God’s answer for it.
Pride is a recurring theme in the Bible. It appears over 60 times in both the Old and New Testament in the CSB translation. It is portrayed as a destructive force that separates people from God and leads to sin and is typically associated with self-exaltation—a mindset of putting ourselves above others and disregarding God’s authority.
Not controlled, Pride is an attitude of arrogance and self-importance that leads to downfall as described in Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” It’s not just confidence or satisfaction in one’s work -- it’s a dangerous self-centeredness that puts personal desires or status above God’s will.
The earliest example of pride comes from the fall of Satan, described in Isaiah 14:12–15. “Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground 13 You said to yourself, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. 14 I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” 15 But you will be brought down to Sheol into the deepest regions of the Pit.” Satan’s desire to “set up my throne above the stars of God” is an example of how pride can drive someone to seek power and glory that doesn’t belong to them. At the same time, in Genesis 3:1–7, the serpent’s temptation of Adam and Eve played on their pride. Satan suggested that they could be like God by eating the forbidden fruit. Their choice to put their desires over God’s command brought sin into the world.
The sin of Pride most often leads to rebellion against God, and the Bible gives us many examples of its damaging effects. King Uzziah, in 2 Chronicles 26:16–21, began his reign as a successful and faithful king but he let his pride take over. His arrogance led him to enter the temple and perform priestly duties, something only priests were allowed to do. That disobedience resulted in serious consequences for his acts of pride. God responded to his prideful disobedience by striking him with leprosy.
As we look further, we see the Pharisees are another example of the dangers of pride. They were so proud of their strict adherence to the law that they became blind to their spiritual flaws. They valued appearances over humility and missed the message of Jesus. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Again, pride leads to downfall, while humility brings honor in God’s eyes.
The Bible condemns pride, but there are rare cases where pride is seen in a positive light. For example, the Apostle Paul expresses pride in the growth and faith of the churches he helped establish. In his letter to the Corinthian’s he says, “I am very frank with you; I have great pride in you.” (2 Corinthians 7:4). Pride in this case isn’t about personal arrogance but rather joy and gratitude for what God has accomplished through His people. It reflects confidence in God’s work rather than self-centered boasting.
What is God’s answer to the sin of Pride?
Scripture presents humility as the opposite of pride and as a virtue that pleases God. James says, in 4:6 that, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humility acknowledges that everything we have comes from God and that we are dependent on Him for our success, strength, and salvation.
Jesus is our ultimate example of humility. In Philippians 2:5–8, Paul tells us how Jesus, even though He was equal with God, chose to take the form of a servant and sacrifice Himself for humanity’s salvation. His life and actions show how true greatness comes from serving others and submitting to God’s will.
We, as believers, are to follow Jesus’ example of humility. Paul, again in Philippians 2:3, writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” We are to put the needs of others before our own and act with kindness and humility in all situations. Wouldn’t that change things if we all did that?
Takeaways for us:
Understanding pride from a biblical perspective leads us to examine our hearts and our motivations daily to ensure we’re not putting ourselves above God or others. Both prayer and self-examination of our identity in Christ are crucial in resisting pride. They help us to stay connected to God and to rely on His guidance.
Pride is a dangerous attitude that leads to rebellion, disobedience, and separation from God. By rejecting pride and embracing humility, we can grow closer to God, build better relationships with others, and live lives that reflect God’s love and purpose. The lessons on pride found in Scripture are timeless: they offer guidance for living a life of faith and humility in a world that often celebrates self-promotion.
Ed Johanson
eldered.whc@gmail.com