Self-righteousness is defined as having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior. The Bible has a lot to say about self-righteousness, as it is a sin that ensnares many. Here is an overview of some key biblical passages on this topic:
The Pharisees as an Example of Self-Righteousness
Some of the clearest biblical examples of self-righteousness come from Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a religious group who strictly followed the Mosaic law and Jewish traditions. They looked down on others who did not adhere to their strict standards. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their self-righteous attitudes:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26).
“The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:11-14).
These passages illustrate how the Pharisees’ strict rule-following had led them to believe they were righteous in themselves. They looked down on others who did not match their standards. However, Jesus makes it clear that true righteousness is a matter of the heart, not just external religious behavior.
Self-Righteousness as Filthy Rags
The prophet Isaiah uses a graphic metaphor to describe self-righteousness before God:
“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6).
Even our best efforts at righteousness are polluted by sin compared to the perfection of God. There is no way we can make ourselves righteous before Him. This shows the folly of trusting in our own righteousness.
True Righteousness Comes through Faith
In contrast to self-righteousness, the Bible makes it clear that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ:
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
As sinful human beings, we can never achieve righteousness through our own efforts. It is only when we place our faith in Christ and His atoning work on the cross that His perfect righteousness is credited to us.
Pride and Self-Righteousness
The Bible consistently identifies pride as a root cause of self-righteousness. Pride convinces us that we are good in ourselves:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
The self-righteous fail to see their own sin because of the blindness caused by pride. We must guard our hearts against pride that leads to self-righteous comparing.
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Self-righteousness often leads to hypocrisy and self-deception. We conveniently ignore our own flaws while condemning others:
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5).
This passage warns against nitpicking the flaws of others while being blind to our own glaring issues. True righteousness involves humility and self-awareness of our fallen state.
Judging Others
Self-righteousness often leads to judging and condemning others. But the Bible reserves judgement for God alone:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2).
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things” (Romans 2:1).
Only God has the authority to make final judgments on human hearts. When we judge others negatively, we usurp God’s role and demonstrate our self-righteousness.
Self-Examination
Rather than judging others, Scripture encourages us to examine our own hearts and motives:
“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40).
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
This practice of humble self-reflection will help guard our hearts against self-righteous tendencies and lead us to repentance.
Extending Grace
As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to extend grace to others, rather than self-righteous condemnation:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12).
Focusing on our own sinfulness cultivates compassion and grace towards others who struggle and stumble. This grace reflects God’s heart for humanity.
Humility and Repentance
The Bible calls us to walk in humility and repentance when confronted with sin in our lives:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:6, 10).
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9).
Rather than covering up our failures, true righteousness owns our sin and seeks God’s grace. This humility marks the heart posture God desires.
Loving Others
Ultimately, combating self-righteousness requires embracing the greatest commandments:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40).
Choosing to love both God and others overrides the tendency towards self-exaltation. Love-motivated righteousness seeks the good of others over personal reputation.
In summary, the Bible clearly condemns self-righteousness as a sin and obstacle to true righteousness. Through Christ’s atoning work, not our own efforts, we receive righteousness as a gift. This righteousness expresses itself in humility, repentance, self-reflection, extending grace, and loving others over self-exaltation. Examining our hearts and motives is key to avoiding the trap of destructive self-righteousness.