Pride

[Christian Saul]

Proverbs 16:18 King James Version (KJV)
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Question: "What does the Bible say about pride?"

Answer: There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we feel about a job well done. The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness is sin, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him. Psalm 10:4 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 5:3). 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 they have no need of God or, worse, that God should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.

Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride. Proverbs 16:18-19 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 (Isaiah 14:12-15). 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 (Isaiah 14:22).

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. 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 work. It is what God says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:13).

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 4:7). That is why we give God the glory—He alone deserves it.

 

[Brighthouse]

Very Nice Christian Saul! Another problem with having pride in self,is that more then one sin is contained in pride.( acts 5:1-11) Many wonder were they really saved in the first place? I would say they were among the 3000 spoken of in Acts 2:41-47 for they were doing as the rest did. In baseball, 3 strikes and you are out,here if we look at proverbs 6:16-19 Both did 1. a lying tongue( 6:17,) ( acts 5:1-3). verse 18 A heart that devises wicked plans( acts 5:3) and 3.verse 19 a false witness to the others!( acts 5:4) Since proverbs to many would be considered law,please refer to Colossians 3:25)

So as we see here pride involves more then one sin! I believe this is the reason pride among so many other sins is so bad,it will always led to another abomination a LIE! ,A wicked plan,and always a false witness! Having in my much younger days in the Lord, i sure fell short,and received severe consequences as well,I concur!! (Rom 12:3!!!) with this mindset always set first!! I have learned the hard way how never to allow pride to enter my house in the Lord ever again! So thanks very much Christian Saul for that reminder!

 

[RJ]

• The "Original Sin" is often said to be that of the fall of man with with Adam and Eve or something rediculos like prostitution. I think that distinction goes to Lucifer's fall because he pridefully was the first to think he was equal to God. I dare say that much of man's sin is directly tide in to pride in many situations.
• Also, we have all heard that the root to all evil is money, I believe that it is pride as well.

 

[grandmamary1219]

In Eve and Adam's case, the fall of mankind was caused by them exercising their free will to disobey God. At GotQuestions ask "What is original sin?" for a great biblical overview of the fall of mankind and the results of that original sin.

 

[Christian Saul]

• The "Original Sin" is often said to be that of the fall of man with with Adam and Eve or something rediculos like prostitution. I think that distinction goes to Lucifer's fall because he pridefully was the first to think he was equal to God. I dare say that much of man's sin is directly tide in to pride in many situations.
• Also, we have all heard that the root to all evil is money, I believe that it is pride as well.

Hi RJ,
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
If we love money more than we love Jesus then money is our god.
We all need money, to live on this Earth, but to love money so much that we become detached from God, then we need to reassess our views to money.

 

[james1523]

Pride is one of those things, you don't know it if you have it, only after you fall.
A sin which goes hand in hand with pride is independence. I agree with RJ that the pride is more to do with Satan's fall than man's, however Satan did tempt the woman with pride. But pride did not come from the woman herself because of any great beauty that she had herself, as it did with Satan. Satan has lots of pride because he was created as a glorious being, and kings of the Earth eg King of Tyre can be very proud too once they accomplish or have great things, but the sin which is generally applicable to the rich and poor alike is independence from God.
The woman's fall was going to Satan independently of her covering Adam, doubt/deception, disobedience/free choice to eat the fruit, and finally to eat the wrong food.
Four things at least involved in the fall of man - independence, deception, free choice/disobedience, and wrong action.

 

[RJ]

Hi RJ,
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
If we love money more than we love Jesus then money is our god.
We all need money, to live on this Earth, but to love money so much that we become detached from God, then we need to reassess our views to money.

Hey Saul,
Of course we know the verse well but think about it: what comes first, the love of money or the pride that you can do it alone or that money will bring you happyness? I think all sin is preceeded by pride or idolatry in self!