Looking at a dictionary definition, you will be deceived into believing that pride is a good thing or at least is not a bad thing. It is described as deep pleasure or satisfaction with one’s achievement. That does not seem bad at all. So, is pride a sin?
Michael Eric Dyson-a writer- and Catholic Church Theologians have classified pride as one of the deadliest sins. They describe it as the worst among the seven deadliest sins, as mentioned in Proverbs 6:16. They term it the beginning of sin and the root of all evil. It makes people self-centered rather than God-centered.
This article will discuss what the Bible says about pride, how God feels about pride, what causes pride according to the Bible, the types of pride in the Bible, and what makes pride a sin. It will also explain why pride is called the father of all sins, where the sin of pride came from, and how Christians can overcome pride. Finally, it will highlight stories of people who struggled with pride and bible verses about pride.
What does the Bible say about pride?
The Bible says that pride is a source and a sign of destruction. Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18. The reason why pride goes before destruction because it is a significant cause of destruction. A person who persists in the path of pride is also continuing and heading in the way of destruction. Note what Paul says: Therefore, let him who thinks he stands to take heed lest he falls. 1 Corinthians 10:12. Although Paul does not explicitly state that the proud will fall, the verse implies that when we think too highly of ourselves, we are headed for a fall. In other words, when we are proud, we cannot help falling.
Additionally, the Bible says that pride is a source of quarrel. By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10. Pride cause one to demand more than they deserve in terms of respect and recognition. They have an attitude of entitlement that makes them believe they should always have their way. Such an attitude brings strife, as rightly stated in that verse. Paul observes such as he writes to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7. He first cautions them about getting puffed up and tells them such causes a raising of one against the other. Paul confirms that pride causes people to act against each other or strife.
How does God feel about proud people?
The Bible indicates that God detests pride. The Bible strongly expresses the attitude of God towards pride. It says: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Proverbs 8:13. God hates pride so much because pride opposes and dishonors his might. It prevents a person from staying under the mighty hand of God. Also, pride destroys people instead of allowing God to exalt them.
God feels that the proud reject his grace, so he opposes them. The Bible says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5. God feels that the proud have no regard for him or the grace he has provided. They are self-sufficient. He feels that they should understand that they owe everything to him and that without him, they are nothing.
What causes pride, according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, self-sufficiency causes pride. The Bible says in Psalms 10:4 the wicked person is self-centered and only dependent on his thoughts. When a person’s thoughts are far from God, they develop pride. Such a person focuses on themselves and disregards the role of God in their lives. They have no room for God. Failure to recognize and acknowledge the role of God in our lives is pride and the source of greater pride.
Pride comes from a sinful nature. The Bible in Romans 8:5 says that people who live according to sinful nature have their minds set on it. The sinful nature causes people to sin. Without a sinful nature, people are incapable of sinning. Pride is generated for sinful nature, just like a spring produces water.
How many types of pride are there in the Bible?
There are two types of pride in the Bible.
Legitimate Godly pride
it is a pride that comes from recognizing God and what he has accomplished for us. It does not focus on ourselves but on God. For instance, Paul prays to never boast except on the cross: But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world . Galatians 6:14. Paul insinuates that pride is wrong except when it is about the cross of Jesus Christ. It is also Godly to be proud of the achievement of others.
Sinful pride
A sinful pride is anything that takes away glory and honor from God to man. It is self-sufficiency, independence, and trying to be God. For instance, Psalms describes such pride: the wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalms 10:4. Also, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit to become like God, it was a sign of pride.
What makes pride a sin?
Heather Riggleman, a renowned Christian writer, argues that failure to recognize the work of God in us and self-centeredness makes pride a sin. The Bible says that man has nothing except what he was given: 1 Corinthians 4:7. Paul says that man has nothing of himself. Pride is a sin because it is a failure or refusal to recognize the one who has given us everything. It is self-worship.
Why is pride called the father of all sins?
Pride is called the father of all sins because it is the origin of every sin. Troy Lacey, -a Christian author- argues that man’s fall was caused by pride. Adam and Eve ate the fruit they were warned against because Satan told them they would be like God. They desired to be independent and not depend on God. They also wanted to be in his position. The desire to be in the role of God and to be independent of God is pride. Because of such pride, man gained a sinful nature from which all the other sins were born.
Where did the sin of pride come from?
The Bible implies that the sin of pride came from Satan. Satan fell from heaven because of pride. The Bible in Isaiah 14:12-15 says he wanted to be like the Highest. As noted earlier, wanting or taking the position of God is pride. The Bible demonstrates that Satan was kicked out of heaven because of pride. Therefore, he was the beginning of the sin of pride, and because of it, he was excommunicated from heaven.
How can Christians overcome pride?
The Bible demonstrates that Christians can overcome pride by always giving God credit. As it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:31. Paul says that Christ calling should not make anyone proud, but if anyone must be proud, then it should be in Christ.
Also, Christians can overcome pride by recognizing that God owns all our gifts. Writing to the Corinthians Church, in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, Paul cautions them not to be puffed up, especially because of the gift or the calling they have received. He wanted them to recognize that the gifts that make them different from others are not theirs. They received everything from God.
Embracing humility helps Christians overcome pride. Humility is a virtue that every Christian should strive to attain. The Bible urges us to do so 1 Peter 5:5, which tells the younger people to submit to their elders and pleads with the church to be clothed with humility.
Bible stories of people who struggled with pride
- Nebuchadnezzar became proud of building Babylon: Daniel 4:30. He was made to eat Grass for seven seasons.
- Herod became so proud that he thought he was a god. Acts 12:18-25. He was struck and eaten by worms.
- Due to pride, King Uzziah lifted himself to the position of a priest. 2 Chronicles 26:16. He was struck with leprosy.
Bible verses about pride
For the day of the LORD of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted— And it shall be brought low— Isaiah 2:12. This verse expresses the destiny of pride. Its end game is a downfall.
The LORD of hosts has purposed it, To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory, To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Isaiah 23:9. God feels contempt for the proud. He desires to cause the downfall of every glory built through pride.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18. As the Bible indicates, when there is pride, destruction is imminent.
References
Entitlement Will Rob You of Rest
What does the Bible say about pride?
How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven?
Pride—Before and After the Fall
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
