What Does God Say About Pride? A Deeper Dive Into Scripture And Reflection

Maurice Wunsch DVM 11 May 2025

Have you ever wondered what God truly thinks about pride? It’s a question that has sparked countless debates, sermons, and reflections throughout history. Pride is one of those tricky topics—on one hand, it can motivate us to achieve great things, but on the other, it can lead to downfall. In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible says about pride, how it affects our lives, and most importantly, how we can navigate it with wisdom and grace.

Let’s face it, pride is something we all struggle with at some point in life. Whether it’s feeling superior to others, being overly confident in our abilities, or refusing to admit when we’re wrong, pride rears its head in subtle ways. But what does God have to say about it? Spoiler alert: He’s got a lot to say, and it’s worth paying attention to.

This article isn’t just about quoting Bible verses—it’s about understanding the heart of God and how His teachings on pride can transform our lives. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive deep into this topic together.

What Does God Say About Pride?
Biblical Views on Pride
Pride vs Humility: The Eternal Battle
Key Scriptures on Pride
How Pride Manifests in Our Lives
The Effects of Pride on Relationships
Steps to Overcome Pride
Pride in Leadership: A Double-Edged Sword
The Role of Pride in Society
Final Thoughts: Embracing Humility

What Does God Say About Pride?

Pride is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but do we really understand what it means? At its core, pride is an excessive belief in one’s own abilities or worth. It’s that feeling of superiority that can creep into our hearts without us even realizing it. But here’s the kicker—God has a lot to say about pride, and it’s not always positive.

In the Bible, pride is often portrayed as a dangerous emotion that leads to downfall. Think about it—how many times have we read stories of people who let pride get the best of them, only to face consequences later? From King Nebuchadnezzar to the fall of Adam and Eve, pride plays a starring role in many biblical narratives.

But before we dive deeper, let’s address the elephant in the room. Is all pride bad? Or is there such a thing as “good pride”? We’ll explore these questions and more as we unpack what God truly says about this complex emotion.

Biblical Views on Pride

Understanding Pride Through Scripture

The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to pride. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently mentioned sins in both the Old and New Testaments. Let’s take a look at some key passages that shed light on God’s perspective:

Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse is a stark reminder that pride often leads to downfall.
James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Here, we see a clear distinction between pride and humility, with God clearly favoring the latter.
Isaiah 2:11: “The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled, and human pride brought low.” This passage emphasizes the idea that pride is temporary and will eventually be replaced by humility.

These verses paint a pretty clear picture—God doesn’t take pride lightly. But why is it such a big deal? Well, pride can create a barrier between us and God. When we become too focused on ourselves, we lose sight of His plan and purpose for our lives.

Pride vs Humility: The Eternal Battle

Why Humility Wins Every Time

Now, let’s talk about the flip side of pride—humility. While pride lifts us up, humility brings us down to earth. It’s about recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that we’re not the center of the universe.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 tells us how He humbled Himself by becoming a servant and giving His life for others. This act of humility is something we’re called to emulate in our own lives.

So, how can we cultivate humility in a world that often celebrates pride? Here are a few tips:

Admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
Be willing to learn from others, even if they’re less experienced than you.
Practice gratitude by focusing on what you have rather than what you lack.

It’s not always easy, but embracing humility can lead to a more fulfilling and God-centered life.

Key Scriptures on Pride

There are countless verses in the Bible that touch on the topic of pride. Here are a few more that are worth reflecting on:

Proverbs 8:13: “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
Psalms 10:4: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”
Proverbs 29:23: “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”

These verses remind us that pride not only affects our relationship with God but also our relationship with others. When we let pride take over, we risk alienating those around us and missing out on opportunities for growth and connection.

How Pride Manifests in Our Lives

Recognizing the Signs of Pride

Pride can show up in different ways depending on the person. For some, it might be refusing to admit when they’re wrong. For others, it could be constantly seeking validation from others. Here are a few common signs of pride:

Thinking you’re better than others.
Struggling to accept criticism or feedback.
Being unwilling to apologize or make amends.

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward overcoming pride. It’s not about beating yourself up over your flaws, but rather acknowledging them and working to improve.

The Effects of Pride on Relationships

How Pride Can Damage Connections

Pride has a way of creeping into our relationships and causing damage. Think about it—how many arguments have started because someone refused to admit they were wrong? Or how many friendships have been strained because one person felt superior to the other?

When pride takes hold, it can create walls between us and those we care about. Instead of fostering trust and understanding, pride leads to resentment and division. That’s why it’s so important to approach relationships with humility and a willingness to listen and learn.

Steps to Overcome Pride

Practical Ways to Embrace Humility

Overcoming pride isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes intentionality and effort. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

Pray regularly for God’s guidance and wisdom.
Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable.
Practice acts of service and kindness to others.

Remember, humility isn’t about diminishing your worth—it’s about recognizing that your worth comes from God, not from your own achievements or abilities.

Pride in Leadership: A Double-Edged Sword

When Pride Helps and Hurts

In leadership roles, pride can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, a healthy sense of confidence can inspire others and drive results. On the other hand, excessive pride can lead to arrogance and a lack of empathy for those being led.

Great leaders are those who balance confidence with humility. They’re willing to listen to feedback, admit when they’re wrong, and prioritize the needs of their team over their own ego.

The Role of Pride in Society

How Pride Shapes Our World

Pride isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a societal one as well. From social media to politics, pride plays a significant role in shaping our world. We live in a culture that often celebrates individual achievement and self-promotion, which can make it even harder to resist the temptations of pride.

But what if we shifted the focus from self-centered pride to a more communal sense of pride? Imagine a world where people celebrated each other’s successes and worked together for the greater good. It’s a lofty goal, but one worth striving for.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Humility

As we’ve explored throughout this article, pride is a complex emotion with far-reaching consequences. While it can motivate us to achieve great things, it can also lead to downfall if left unchecked. That’s why it’s so important to approach life with humility and a willingness to learn.

So, what does God say about pride? In short, He warns us against letting pride take over our lives. Instead, He calls us to embrace humility, seek His guidance, and prioritize our relationships with Him and others.

Now, it’s your turn. Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where pride might be holding you back? How can you cultivate humility in your daily interactions? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other articles for more insights and inspiration.

What does God say about pride? by Abayomi Johnson

Series What Does God Say About — Cornerstone Church

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