What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
What Does the Bible Say About Pride? The Bible warns that pride is the root of many sins, leading to destruction and separation from God, while humility is the path to grace and honor.
Key verse: Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
The Bible warns that pride is the root of many sins, leading to destruction and separation from God, while humility is the path to grace and honor.
The Bible warns that pride is the root of many sins, leading to destruction and separation from God, while humility is the path to grace and honor.
"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 holds a unique place in the Bible's catalogue of sins — many scholars consider it the foundational sin behind all others. Lucifer's fall was driven by pride: 'I will be like the most High' (Isaiah 14:14). Proverbs 16:18 warns, 'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.' God actively opposes the proud: 'God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble' (James 4:6). Pride manifests as self-sufficiency, arrogance, refusal to acknowledge God, comparison with others, and unwillingness to receive correction. The Pharisees exemplified religious pride, trusting their own righteousness rather than God's mercy. In contrast, Scripture consistently exalts humility. Jesus humbled Himself to become a servant and die on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). He taught that 'whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted' (Matthew 23:12). True humility is not self-degradation but an accurate view of ourselves in light of God's greatness.
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 Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is Grace in the Bible?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Pride?
Sin & Salvation
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.