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    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Pride — In Biblical Context

    The Bible identifies pride as the root of many sins, warns that God opposes the proud, and calls believers to cultivate humility instead.

    Quick Answer

    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)

    The Biblical Context

    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).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Proverbs 16:18, sits inside Proverbs 16. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
    — Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    James 4:6
    "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
    Philippians 2:5-7
    "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."

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