What does the Bible say about pride? | GotQuestions.org

The Difference Between Godly Pride and Sinful Pride

In today's video I'll answer your question, What Does the Bible Say About Pride? Then afterward, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end. There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates and the kind of pride we can feel about a job well done, or the kind of pride we express over the accomplishment of loved ones.

The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit is sin, however, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him. Psalm 10, verse 4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from God.

In his pride, the wicked does not seek him. In all his thoughts, there is no room for God. This kind of haughty pride is the opposite of the spirit of humility that God seeks. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5, verse 3. The poor in spirit are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think that they have no need for God, or worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.

The Consequences of Pride in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16, verses 18 -19 tells us that pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride. He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace God Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of God.

For those who rise up in defiance against God, there is nothing ahead but disaster. Pride has kept many people from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people.

Why Pride Is Sinful and Why God Alone Deserves the Glory

We are not to boast about ourselves. If we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of God. What we say about ourselves means nothing in God's Word. It is what God says about us that makes the difference.

Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that God has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship.

Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

1 Corinthians 4, verse 7. That is why we give God the glory. He alone deserves it. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there you'll find one book I recommend, along with links to several related questions.

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