23 Bible Verses About Pride
Explore biblical insights on pride, its impact on relationships, and the virtues of humility as a guiding principle.
Explore biblical insights on pride, its impact on relationships, and the virtues of humility as a guiding principle.
Pride is a tricky thing. It can sneak up on us when we least expect it, disguising itself as confidence or self-assurance. But left unchecked, it can lead us down a path of isolation and self-centeredness. The truth is, pride can create barriers between us and others, and even between us and God. It’s like a fog that clouds our vision, making it hard to see the beauty of humility and the strength found in community.
The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of pride and its impact on our lives. It serves as a gentle reminder that true greatness is found not in elevating ourselves, but in lifting others up. As we explore these 23 Bible verses about pride, let’s open our hearts to the wisdom they offer and reflect on how we can cultivate a spirit of humility in our daily lives. After all, embracing humility can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling journey with God and those around us.
Verses About The Dangers of Pride
Verses About Humility as an Antidote
Verses About Pride and Relationships
Verses About Pride and God’s View
Verses About Consequences of Pride
Pride can often lead us down a path of self-destruction, blinding us to our own faults and making us resistant to change. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel serves as a powerful reminder of how pride can lead to a fall. His arrogance led to his downfall, and it was only through humility that he was restored. This narrative illustrates the inherent dangers of pride and how it can distance us from wisdom and growth.
Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
1 Corinthians 10:12: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
Obadiah 1:3–4: “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD.”
Isaiah 2:11: “The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”
Humility is often seen as the counterbalance to pride, offering a path to personal growth and deeper connections with others. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet is a profound example of humility in action, demonstrating that true greatness comes from serving others. This act teaches us that humility can dismantle the barriers pride builds, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding.
Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
1 Peter 5:5–6: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Proverbs 22:4: “Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
Pride can create barriers in our relationships, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. It often causes us to prioritize our own needs and desires over those of others, which can strain even the strongest bonds. In contrast, when we approach relationships with a spirit of humility and openness, we create space for genuine connection and mutual respect.
Proverbs 13:10: “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Proverbs 28:25: “The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”
Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Galatians 6:3: “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
Proverbs 29:23: “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
God’s perspective on pride is clear throughout the scriptures, often highlighting the importance of a humble heart. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates this vividly, showing how God values sincerity and humility over self-righteousness. This story reminds us that pride can cloud our spiritual vision, while humility aligns us more closely with divine wisdom.
Psalm 138:6: “Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
Isaiah 66:2: “Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
Jeremiah 9:23–24: “This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”
James 4:6: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
The consequences of pride are often far-reaching, affecting not only our personal lives but also our spiritual journey. The story of Lucifer’s fall from grace is a stark reminder of how pride can lead to devastating outcomes. This narrative underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing pride before it leads to irreversible consequences, urging us to seek a path of humility and self-awareness.
Proverbs 16:5: “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
Daniel 4:37: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Proverbs 18:12: “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Isaiah 13:11: “I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.”
2 Chronicles 26:16: “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.”