Pride is a sin that can subtly creep into our lives and take root deeply if we are not careful. The Bible has a lot to say about pride and offers hope and practical solutions for overcoming it by God’s grace.
What is pride?
Pride is an excessive view of one’s self and accomplishments that clouds our view of God and others. It leads us to take credit for things that are not our own doing and inflates our ego and sense of self-importance. Pride manifests itself in arrogance, haughtiness, conceit, and self-righteousness. A prideful person is focused on self, demands respect and honor, and refuses to acknowledge their weaknesses or need for God. The book of Proverbs warns that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
Why is pride sinful and dangerous?
The Bible clearly identifies pride as sin because it represents rebellion against God by taking glory that rightfully belongs to Him. Pride seeks to elevate self over God and others. A few key verses that demonstrate the sinfulness of pride include:
- “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
- “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 16:5).
- “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:26).
Pride is dangerous because it blinds us to our own faults and need for God. It also damages relationships with others and grieves God. Pride was the original sin that led to Lucifer’s downfall and humankind’s fall into sin. The prophets and wisdom literature consistently warn of the dangers of pride and arrogance both for nations and individuals.
How does pride show itself in our lives?
Pride can manifest itself in many subtle ways. Here are some examples:
- Looking down on others
- A judgmental and critical spirit
- Self-righteousness and hypocrisy
- Failing to give God glory for accomplishments and talents
- Believing we don’t need God or others
- An unteachable spirit
- A lack of compassion, empathy and love
- Isolation and withdrawal from others
- Perfectionism
- Being consumed with what others think about us
Even “good” things like biblical knowledge, spiritual gifts, and ministry achievements can be a source of sinful pride if our focus is on self rather than the glory of God.
Why do we struggle with pride?
We struggle with pride because of our inherent sinful human nature. Pride was the original sin that led to the fall of man (Genesis 3:4-7). Our hearts are naturally bent away from God and toward sin. Our culture also promotes pride and self-centeredness in many ways. Pride often grows in the soil of insecurity, pain, and low self-esteem as well. By God’s grace, however, we can overcome sinful pride in our lives.
What does the Bible teach about overcoming pride?
The Bible offers hope, wisdom and power for overcoming pride. Here are some key principles on conquering pride:
- Remember pride’s dangers and God’s hatred of it. Meditating on verses about the sinfulness of pride (Psalm 31:18, Proverbs 8:13, Mark 7:22) can help us remain sober about pride’s consequences.
- Humble yourself before God. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). Admitting our failures and limitations is key to rooting out pride.
- Submit to authority. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13). Pride wilts in an environment of godly submission.
- Focus on serving others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Selflessness defeats self-centered pride.
- Give God the glory. Thankfulness to God combats prideful attitudes. “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (Psalm 115:1).
- Confess and repent immediately. Honest confession to God and trusted others will pierce the darkness where pride breeds.
- Pray for humility and wisdom. “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). Seek these gracious gifts from above (James 1:5).
- Meditate on the gospel. The cross demonstrates Christ’s humility and God’s grace toward sinners. This crushes human pride.
- Receive correction humbly. Defensiveness is a hallmark of pride. Accept godly counsel from others with sincerity (Proverbs 15:31-33).
- Focus on others’ needs and interests. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
- Cultivate gratitude. A prideful spirit gains no foothold in a grateful heart that recognizes every good gift comes from God (James 1:17).
Practical tips for combating pride
In addition to the biblical principles outlined above, here are some practical tips for overcoming pride in daily life:
- Ask a friend or mentor to candidly share when they see pride in your life.
- When you catch yourself boasting, divert the conversation to others’ achievements.
- Give credit to teammates, coworkers, and subordinates. Avoid hogging attention.
- When tempted to judge others, pray blessings on them instead.
- Invite criticism and feedback from others to gain perspective.
- Focus on mentoring and empowering those you lead rather than control.
- Accept menial tasks without grumbling or complaint.
- Confess faults and sins quickly to those affected by them.
- Thank God daily for every breath, heartbeat, and capability you possess.
- Consider yourself a debtor to grace; you owe everything to God.
God’s grace and power to walk in humility
Though pride lurks within, God promises to supply abundant grace and power to walk in humility (James 4:6, 2 Corinthians 12:9). As we fix our eyes on Christ, practice the spiritual disciplines, and nurture godly community, our gracious God sanctifies us and frees us from the chains of sinful pride. Some key verses reminding us of God’s grace include:
- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
- “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
- “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
- “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:28).
Rather than hopelessness in the fight against pride, Scripture promises that as we walk in humility and dependence on Christ, He will exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
The battle with pride may be lifelong, but it is not one we need to face alone. God stands ready to forgive, heal, renew, and transform our hearts. His Word and Spirit equip us powerfully to walk in the beauty of humility as we fix our eyes on the humility and sacrifice of Christ. By God’s grace, may we lay down prideful hearts and live fully for the One who is meek and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).