The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Pride?
Jesus warned that pride blinds us and that God sees straight through it. In His kingdom the self-exalting are brought low, and the humble are lifted up.
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Jesus, in Luke 14:11, King James Version
Self-promotion ends in a fall; humility ends in honor.
“Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”
Jesus, in Luke 16:15, King James Version
God is not impressed by what impresses people.
“covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.”
Jesus, in Mark 7:22, King James Version
Pride belongs on the list of things that defile the heart.
“whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
Jesus, in Matthew 23:12, King James Version
The way up in God's kingdom is down.
“every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Jesus, in Luke 18:14, King James Version
The one who admits his need goes home justified.
What Jesus is really saying
Pride is dangerous, Jesus teaches, not because God resents our confidence but because pride convinces us we have no need of Him. It is the one posture that shuts the door He is trying to open. Humility, by contrast, is simply telling the truth about ourselves, and it is the soil where grace grows.
Who these words reveal Him to be
He sees through every performance, for God knows the heart, and He warns that the self-exalting will be humbled. Yet the One who says this is God who humbled Himself to a cross. Jesus is the Lord before whom every proud thing falls and the Savior whose lowliness heals our pride. To come to Him with empty hands is to be lifted up by the very God who first stooped down to us.
Come to Him
You do not have to keep up the performance. God already knows your heart and loves you still. Lay down the pride, come to Jesus with empty hands, and let Him lift you up.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.