Pride can be a reflection of self-confidence and dignity, it often takes a negative form, leading to arrogance, self-exaltation, and spiritual downfall. Scripture consistently warns against this harmful version of pride, showing how it distances individuals from God. In this post, we’ll explore Bible verses about pride, along with examples, punishments, and how the Bible describes this trait.
How Does the Bible Describe Pride?
Pride is consistently described as a negative trait in Scripture, with the Bible verse about pride often warning of its destructive consequences. Pride is associated with self-reliance, arrogance, and a refusal to submit to God’s authority. On the other hand, humility is seen as a virtue, bringing individuals closer to God’s grace.
Examples of Pride in the Bible
One prominent example of pride in the Bible is King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4), who exalted himself above all men and was humbled by God, forced to live as a wild animal until he acknowledged God’s sovereignty. Another example is the fall of Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12-15), an angel who was cast out of heaven due to his pride and desire to become like God.
Punishment for Pride in the Bible
The Bible consistently warns of the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18 (ESV) teaches, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The prideful are destined for downfall unless they humble themselves before God. Nebuchadnezzar’s experience in Daniel 4 is a clear illustration of how God humbles the proud.
Bible Verses About Pride
1. Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
2. James 4:6 (ESV)
“But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
3. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
4. Psalm 10:4 (ESV)
“In his pride, the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.”
5. Proverbs 29:23 (ESV)
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
6. 1 John 2:16 (ESV)
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
7. Romans 12:3 (ESV)
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.”
8. Isaiah 2:12 (ESV)
“For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low.”
9. Obadiah 1:3 (ESV)
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?'”
10. Proverbs 18:12 (ESV)
“Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
11. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
12. 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
13. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.”
14. Proverbs 16:5 (ESV)
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
15. Isaiah 13:11 (ESV)
“I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.”
16. Proverbs 21:4 (ESV)
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.”
17. Daniel 5:20 (ESV)
“But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.”
18. Psalm 31:23 (ESV)
“Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.”
19. Luke 18:14 (ESV)
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
20. Proverbs 8:13 (ESV)
“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
21. Isaiah 23:9 (ESV)
“The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.”
22. 2 Chronicles 26:16 (ESV)
“But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God.”
23. Psalm 138:6 (ESV)
“Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.”
24. Romans 11:20 (ESV)
“That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.”
25. Proverbs 6:16-17 (ESV)
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
26. Jeremiah 50:31 (ESV)
“Behold, I am against you, O proud one, declares the Lord God of hosts, for your day has come, the time when I will punish you.”
27. Ezekiel 28:17 (ESV)
“Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground.”
28. Isaiah 10:12 (ESV)
“When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.”
29. Psalm 119:21 (ESV)
“You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.”
30. Proverbs 13:10 (ESV)
“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
31. Zechariah 10:11 (ESV)
“He shall pass through the sea of troubles and strike down the waves of the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall be dried up. The pride of Assyria shall be laid low, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.”
32. Isaiah 14:11 (ESV)
“Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, the sound of your harps; maggots are laid as a bed beneath you, and worms are your covers.”
33. Psalm 101:5 (ESV)
“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”
34. Job 40:11 (ESV)
“Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on everyone who is proud and abase him.”
35. Matthew 23:12 (ESV)
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
36. Proverbs 15:25 (ESV)
“The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow’s boundaries.”
37. Obadiah 1:4 (ESV)
“Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord.”
38. Psalm 94:2 (ESV)
“Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve!”
39. Isaiah 5:15 (ESV)
“Man is humbled, and each one is brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are brought low.”
40. Psalm 73:6 (ESV)
“Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.”
Conclusion
Through these Bible verses about pride, we can understand the dangers of pride and the importance of cultivating humility. The Bible encourages us to trust in God’s plan and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance that can lead us away from Him.
Read also: 40 Bible Verses About Forgiveness
