Bible Verses About Arrogance (With Commentary)

Arrogance is a trait that the Bible repeatedly warns against, as it leads to pride, self-righteousness, and a lack of humility. Arrogance separates us from God and others, making us less receptive to correction, wisdom, and the grace of God. Scripture calls believers to a life of humility, recognizing that all our abilities and achievements are gifts from God, not grounds for boasting. These verses emphasize the dangers of arrogance and the importance of cultivating a humble heart before God and others. Here are 30 Bible verses about arrogance, each with a brief commentary.

1. Proverbs 16:18

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

This well-known verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows arrogance. It serves as a warning that pride and arrogance often lead to self-destruction, encouraging us to adopt a posture of humility to avoid such a fate.

2. James 4:6

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This verse emphasizes God’s opposition to the proud and His favor towards the humble. It reminds us that arrogance places us in direct conflict with God, whereas humility opens the door to His grace and blessings.

3. Proverbs 8:13

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Here, arrogance is equated with evil, something that God hates. This verse teaches us that fearing the Lord includes rejecting pride and arrogance, aligning ourselves with God’s values of humility and righteousness.

4. Romans 12:3

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

Paul urges believers to have a realistic view of themselves, grounded in humility. This verse warns against arrogance and encourages us to recognize our limitations and rely on God’s grace rather than our own perceived greatness.

5. Proverbs 11:2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

This verse contrasts the outcomes of pride and humility. It reminds us that arrogance leads to disgrace, while humility brings wisdom, encouraging us to pursue a humble heart to gain true understanding and honor.

6. Isaiah 2:12

“The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).”

This verse speaks of God’s judgment against the arrogant. It serves as a sobering reminder that those who exalt themselves will ultimately be brought low by God, highlighting the importance of humility in the eyes of the Lord.

7. Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Paul instructs believers to avoid arrogance and selfishness, instead urging them to prioritize others. This verse teaches that humility involves valuing others and rejecting the self-centered mindset that often accompanies arrogance.

8. Proverbs 29:23

“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”

This verse underscores the humbling effect of pride and the honor that comes with humility. It encourages us to adopt a lowly spirit, knowing that true honor and respect are gained through humility, not arrogance.

9. 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.”

God warns against boasting in worldly achievements and instead calls us to boast in our relationship with Him. This verse teaches that arrogance based on personal accomplishments is misplaced, and true pride should come from knowing and understanding God.

10. Proverbs 16:5

“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

This verse clearly states God’s disdain for the proud and assures that they will face punishment. It serves as a strong warning against harboring arrogance in our hearts, reminding us of the consequences of pride before God.

11. 1 Corinthians 13:4

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Paul describes love as devoid of pride and arrogance. This verse teaches that true love is humble and selfless, encouraging us to express love in ways that reject pride and embrace kindness and patience.

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