What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
What Does the Bible Say About Pride? The Bible identifies pride as the root of many sins, warns that God opposes the proud, and calls believers to cultivate humility instead.
Key verse: Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
The Bible identifies pride as the root of many sins, warns that God opposes the proud, and calls believers to cultivate humility instead.
The Bible identifies pride as the root of many sins, warns that God opposes the proud, and calls believers to cultivate humility instead.
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." — Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Pride is considered the original sin—Satan's rebellion stemmed from pride (Isaiah 14:13-14). Proverbs states that 'pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall' (Proverbs 16:18). God actively 'resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble' (James 4:6). Pride manifests as self-sufficiency (not needing God), self-righteousness (believing oneself better than others), and self-promotion (seeking one's own glory). Jesus exemplified the opposite: though equal with God, He humbled Himself to become a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). The Bible consistently teaches that humility is the path to honor (Proverbs 15:33), that the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16), and that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
What the Bible teaches about pride, arrogance, and the importance of humility.
Key Scripture References
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Humility?
The Bible teaches that humility—recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves—is essential to the Christian life.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Pride?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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