There is much that man can say about the topic of “pride,” but that can be very subjective to the person. The first definition for the word “pride” in the Webster’s New World College Dictionary is “an unduly high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self-esteem; conceit; haughty behavior resulting from this; arrogance.” Rather than focus on what man has to say, let us allow the Bible to do the speaking. God’s Word has much to say about the topic of “pride.” Consider the following verses straight from God.
What does pride do, according to the Bible? “A proud and haughty man…acts with arrogant pride” (Prov. 21:24). “The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obad. 3). “…His proud countenance does not seek God” (Psa. 10:4). “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife” (Prov. 28:25). Many, including God’s own people, “acted proudly, hardened their necks, and did not heed [God’s] commandments” (Neh. 9:16, 29). In a listing of sinful actions that are “not fitting” in the eyes of God, the Bible lists “wickedness…maliciousness…murder…evil-mindedness…haters of God, violent, proud” as practices which “are deserving of death” (Rom. 1:28-32).
What is the result of pride, according to the Bible? Jesus says that “pride” is one of the many “evil things [that] come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:21-23). “By pride comes nothing but strife” (Prov. 13:10). “When pride comes, then comes shame” (Prov. 11:2). “A man’s pride will bring him low” (Prov. 29:23). “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). “A haughty look, a proud heart…are sin” (Prov. 21:4). “Those who walk in pride [God] is able to put down” (Dan. 4:37). “Being puffed up with pride” will cause one to “fall into the same condemnation as the devil” (1 Tim. 3:6), for “the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).
The answers to these first two questions already give a glimpse, but what is God’s view of and reaction toward pride? “God resists the proud” (Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). “The Lord hates…a proud look” (Prov. 6:16-17). “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord…none will go unpunished” (Prov. 16:5). “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty” (Isa. 2:12). “The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, [God] will not endure” (Psa. 101:5). “The Lord will destroy the house of the proud” (Prov. 15:25). “The Lord…fully repays the proud person” (Psa. 31:23).
The Bible has nothing good to say about “pride” — there is not a single redeeming quality to be found in it. Let us heed God’s warning and humble ourselves before Him!