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What the Bible says
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
The Bible warns that pride goes before a fall and that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble who depend on Him.
Pride is the root of much of our trouble, the heart insisting on its own way and its own glory. Scripture says it comes before destruction, and that God resists it, not out of cruelty but because pride cuts us off from the grace we need.
The cure for pride is not self-hatred but a right view of God and ourselves. As we see His greatness and His mercy, we are freed from the exhausting work of self-exaltation and can receive His grace.
Key Bible verses
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 · King James Version (public domain)
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
James 4:6 · King James Version (public domain)
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 · King James Version (public domain)
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 · King James Version (public domain)
How this points to Jesus
Jesus, though He was God, did not grasp at His glory but humbled Himself, even to death on a cross. The King of heaven washed His disciples' feet. In Him we see that greatness is found in lowliness, and His Spirit trades our pride for the humble, receiving heart that grace can fill.
