Bible Verses About Pride

"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."

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate."

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?"

"Those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

"For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low."

"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."

What does the Bible say about pride?

Pride is the original sin—the one that turned Lucifer into Satan and humanity away from God. Scripture consistently warns that pride precedes destruction and that God actively opposes the proud. Key King James Version passages include Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, Proverbs 11:2. This page collects 10 KJV verses about pride, each quoted in full.

Why does God hate pride?

Pride is the root of all sin because it declares independence from God. It says 'I don't need You' to the Creator who sustains every breath. Proverbs 6:16-17 lists a 'proud look' first among things God hates. Pride steals glory from God and places it on self.

What is the difference between pride and confidence?

Healthy confidence comes from knowing whose you are—a child of God, equipped by His Spirit. Sinful pride comes from thinking you are self-made and self-sufficient. Confidence says 'God has gifted me.' Pride says 'I did this on my own.' The difference is the source and the credit.

How can I tell if I'm being proud?

Warning signs include: needing to be right in every argument, difficulty apologizing, dismissing others' opinions, comparing yourself favorably to others, resenting correction, and taking credit that belongs to God or others. Proverbs 16:18 warns that pride precedes destruction. Ask trusted friends for honest feedback.

Is all pride sinful or can pride be positive?

Scripture distinguishes destructive pride—arrogant self-exaltation (Proverbs 16:18)—from healthy satisfaction in God's work. Paul expressed pride in the Corinthian church's growth (2 Corinthians 7:4). The sinful form displaces God; the healthy form glorifies Him.