What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
The Bible consistently portrays pride as a dangerous and destructive sin. Pride is more than self-confidence—it is the elevation of oneself above others and, most dangerously, above God. In Scripture, pride often takes the form of self-reliance, arrogance, and refusal to acknowledge God as the true source of life and blessing.
While the Bible occasionally uses “pride” in a positive sense (such as rejoicing in God’s works or the glory of His people), the overwhelming emphasis is on its corrupting influence. Pride is frequently described as the root of many other sins, distorting the heart and leading to rebellion against God.
1. How Does the Bible Define Pride?
In the Bible, pride is most clearly seen when humans place themselves in God’s position—seeking independence from Him and resisting His authority.
In the Old Testament, this is illustrated in the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), where humanity sought autonomy and glory apart from God.
In the New Testament, pride is listed alongside other sins of the heart (Mark 7:21–22) and is condemned as an expression of foolish presumption (James 4:16).
Pride is not simply a feeling but a settled disposition of self-exaltation, making it the core of sin itself.
2. Why Is Pride So Dangerous According to the Bible?
The Bible warns repeatedly that pride leads to ruin. Proverbs 16:18 famously states, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The danger lies in pride’s ability to blind us to our need for God’s mercy, making repentance and humility difficult.
Pride is dangerous because it:
Rejects God’s authority – Trusting in one’s own wisdom rather than God’s word.
Breeds other sins – Such as envy, anger, and disobedience.
Invites God’s opposition – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
The Bible teaches that unchecked pride inevitably ends in judgment, whether in the downfall of nations (Isaiah 13:11) or individuals.
3. Can Pride Ever Be Good in the Bible?
While the overwhelming majority of biblical references to pride are negative, there are rare instances where the term is used positively. For example:
God’s majesty – His glory and “pride” in His people are righteous and pure (Isaiah 4:2).
Boasting in the Lord – Believers may rejoice or “take pride” in God’s works (Psalm 34:2; 2 Corinthians 10:17).
The difference lies in the object of that pride—when it is rooted in God’s greatness and grace, it glorifies Him rather than self.
4. How Does the Gospel Confront Pride?
The Gospel directly challenges human pride. Salvation is a gift from God, “so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:9). We bring nothing to our redemption except our need for it; Christ’s life, death, and resurrection leave no room for self-glory.
Living in God’s kingdom means embracing humility, recognizing that all good comes from His hand. As believers grow in grace, pride is replaced with gratitude, dependence, and worship. The cross is the great equalizer—reminding us that apart from Christ, we have nothing, and in Him, we have everything.
Conclusion
The Bible warns that pride is the heart of rebellion against God. From the first sin in Eden to the arrogance of nations, pride consistently leads to downfall. Yet through the Gospel, God offers a better way: humility, faith, and joyful dependence on Him. True honor is not found in exalting ourselves but in glorifying the One who alone is worthy.
Bible Verses About Pride
Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 11:2, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Isaiah 2:12, “For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low.”
Obadiah 1:3, “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’”
Mark 7:21–22, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.”
James 4:6, “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
1 Peter 5:5, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Ephesians 2:8–9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
