Today we will talk about Bible verses that talk about pride. Pride can often stand in the way of our relationship with God and others. The Scriptures remind us of the importance of humility and how excessive self-importance can lead us down the wrong path. They teach us that true wisdom and greatness originate from God and that we should seek to serve others rather than elevate ourselves. As we read through these verses, let’s take a moment to meditate upon their wisdom and allow ourselves to grow in humility and understanding. Together, we can learn how to let go of pride and embrace a more peaceful and loving spirit.
Bible Verses About Pride
The Dangers of Pride
In our spiritual journey, we often come across the dangers of pride. Pride can make us blind to our faults and lead us to think we don’t need God’s help. Knowing the dangers helps us steer clear of making this mistake. God’s Word makes it clear that humility is a character quality we must strive for, reminding us to never let our pride overshadow our need for divine guidance and community support.
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” – James 4:6
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.” – Proverbs 29:23
1 Peter 5:5
“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.'” – 1 Peter 5:5
The Importance of Humility
Embracing humility is vital for all of us as we navigate life. The Bible teaches us that humility is not weak; instead, it is a strength that allows us to listen to others and grow in our faith. When we humbly approach God, we can receive His wisdom, and likewise, as we treat others with humility, we foster healthy and life-giving relationships. Let’s commit to being humble in our dealings with ourselves and with each other, always remembering to seek God above all.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
God’s View on Pride
Understanding how God views pride is crucial for us as believers. He sees pride as an obstacle that can separate us from His love and the community He desires for us. Instead, He calls us to embrace His perspective on humility, which opens the door to His grace and blessings. When we strive to align our hearts with how God sees pride, we begin to experience the fullness of life He intends for us.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” – Proverbs 8:13
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).” – Isaiah 2:12
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.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
Malachi 4:1
“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.” – Malachi 4:1
Proverbs 3:34
“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” – Proverbs 3:34
Pride vs. Humility in Relationships
When we reflect on pride versus humility in our relationships, we recognize how crucial it is to maintain respect and empathy toward one another. Pride can often lead to misunderstandings, arguments, and even division. In contrast, humility encourages us to listen actively and engage with compassion. By nurturing relationships built on humility, we operate from a place of understanding and love, helping us grow closer not only to each other but also to God.
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 given you.” – Romans 12:3
Galatians 6:3
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.” – Galatians 6:3
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Pride and Our Spiritual Growth
Our spiritual growth can easily be hindered by pride. When we are overly proud, we may miss out on learning from others, including fellow believers who can help us on our faith journey. The Bible is filled with wisdom that teaches us to walk in humility, allowing us to be open to God’s truths and guidance. Embracing humility allows us to grow closer to God and invites others to walk alongside us in our faith journeys.
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” – Proverbs 15:33
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
2 Timothy 2:21
“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:21
Pride in Our Achievements
It is easy to become proud of our accomplishments, but the Bible reminds us that every good thing we have comes from God. Recognizing this helps us thank Him for our successes instead of allowing pride to take over. By dedicating our achievements back to God, we create an attitude of gratitude and serve to inspire others rather than putting ourselves on a pedestal.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” – Deuteronomy 8:17-18
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” – 1 Corinthians 4:7
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2
2 Corinthians 10:17
“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 10:17
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Pride and Our Relationship with God
Pride can create a barrier between us and God, making it difficult to experience His grace fully. God desires a humble and open heart in each of us. When we come to Him in humility, we open ourselves up to His love and forgiveness. As we grow in our relationship with God, we must remember that we are His creation, and our ultimate aim is to please Him, not to elevate ourselves in our own eyes.
Psalm 138:6
“Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.” – Psalm 138:6
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” – Isaiah 57:15
Psalms 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalms 51:17
Luke 18:14
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14
Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.” – Proverbs 21:4
Turning Away from Pride
Finally, as followers of Christ, we are called to turn away from our pride and embrace a life of humility. By recognizing how pride can affect our actions and thoughts, we can actively choose to follow the path that God has laid out for us. Choosing to walk away from pride allows us to be lights in the world, encouraging others to seek compassion, love, and humility.
Proverbs 18:12
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12
Colossians 2:18
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” – Colossians 2:18
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.” – Romans 12:16
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
Final Thoughts
In our exploration of Bible verses about pride, we have learned that pride can hinder both our relationship with God and our interactions with others. We see that God calls us to humility, where we can find true wisdom and right standing with Him. By understanding the importance of humility, we can create a loving community and contribute to our spiritual growth. Ultimately, embracing humility allows us to celebrate God’s grace and the blessings He gives us, recognizing that everything we have comes by His hand. As we close this reflection, let us carry these teachings in our hearts and strive to diminish pride in our lives, focusing on love and compassion toward all.
May we always remember the importance of humility as we walk our faith journey together. God bless!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
