Bible Verses About Pride

Pride can have both positive connotation or negative connotation. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined pride positively as a reasonable self-esteem, or confidence and satisfaction in oneself, or a pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor, respect, etc.

Although pride can be a positive connotation of self-worth or boasting, it is also often used in Scripture to refer to an unhealthy elevated view of one’s self, abilities, or possessions (Logos Factbook). This blog post looks more about the negative aspects of pride as those gleaned from the bible. To read more about healthy confidence or positive pride, click here to go to the blog post on Bible Verses About Confidence.

Negatively, pride is an exaggerated self-esteem, like conceit (The Merriam-Webster Di ctionary). Pride is an unwarranted attitude of confidence (Logos Factbook). When confidence in ourselves becomes too much or unhealthy, it can become pride.

Why Is Pride Bad?

The bible tells us that pride has a lot of bad consequences, including punishment from God. We can find some of the reasons of why pride is so bad in God's eyes, from the following bible verses.

Pride Has No Space For God

From the bible verse below, when one is prideful or proud, the person would have no space for God in his life nor thoughts, that person is all-sufficient in himself or herself.

4 The wicked, in the pride of his face, has no room in his thoughts for God. (Psalm 10:4)

Pride Breeds Quarrels

The bible verse below in Proverbs 13:10 tells us that pride leads to quarrels. Later on in James 4 we also see that pride is a reason in verse 6 for the wars and fightings in verse 1.

10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10)

1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? 2 You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. (James 4:1–2)

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:5–6)

Pride Leads To Hurting Others

The bible verses below talk about how the pride of the wicked cause them to hurt the weaker ones and lead to violence against others.

2 In arrogance, the wicked hunt down the weak. They are caught in the schemes that they devise. (Psalm 10:2)

6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment. (Psalm 73:6)

2 My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. (Psalm 56:2)

14 God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent men have sought after my soul, and they don’t hold regard for you before them. (Psalm 86:14)

Pride Leads to Violence

An example of how pride led to violence is from the biblical account of Haman from the Book of Esther. From the bible verses below in Esther 3:4-6, Haman was a descendant of the Amalekite King Agag, and the Amalekites had attacked the Israelites when they were in the wilderness.

Haman was promoted by King Ahaseurus in the land of Susa, and Mordecai was a Jewish man who was exiled in that foreign land. Mordecai refused to bow or pay homage to Haman, thus Haman was enraged, because Haman had great pride of being paid respect to. Haman was so angry that he took action to kill all the Jews in that kingdom.

4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn’t listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai didn’t bow down nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath. 6 But he scorned the thought of laying hands on Mordecai alone, for they had made known to him Mordecai’s people. Therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even Mordecai’s people. (Esther 3:4–6)

Pride Is The Nature Of Satan/Devil/Anti-Christ

According to Preacher Stephen Tong: "Man is not what he thinks- that is rationalism, man is not what he feels- that is modern psychology, man is not what he behaves- that is behavioral psychology, man is not what he eats- that is materialism. Man is equals to what he reacts before God- that is bible. Man's worth and value lies in how he responds to God."

In the bible verses below in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, we see that pride causes the Anti-Christ trying to take over God's position, with him by his own ideas putting himself higher than God and asserting just with pride that God is lower than him.

Thus we see the danger of pride, in the other bible verses below. When pride leads to pitting oneself against God, by thinking one is greater than God, even insulting or blaspheming God, one is putting God as his or her own enemy.

We also see the pride of Satan in the bible verses from Matthew 4:8-10 where Satan seduced Jesus with all the riches and power of the world as long as Jesus bow down and worship him. This narcissistic pride of Satan is a great desire to be adored or worshiped, even by Lord Jesus himself! Jesus rebuked Satan to get behind him and countered with God's commandment to worship and serve the Lord only.

This kind of narcissistic pride is like an insatiable hole in the heart of wanting more and more praise and worship from others, to the disregard of others' lives, others' wills to the point of disregarding one's place before God with lots of recklessness.

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction. 4 He opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4)

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God; and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. (1 John 4:2–3)

36 “The king will do according to his will. He will exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and will speak marvelous things against the God of gods. He will prosper until the indignation is accomplished, for that which is determined will be done. 37 He won’t regard the gods of his fathers, or the desire of women, or regard any god; for he will magnify himself above all. 38 But in their place, he will honor the god of fortresses. He will honor a god whom his fathers didn’t know with gold, silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 He will deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god. He will increase with glory whoever acknowledges him. He will cause them to rule over many, and will divide the land for a price. (Daniel 11:36–39)

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. 2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. 6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, his dwelling, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. (Revelation 13:1–8)

8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ”
(Matthew 4:8–10)

28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28–32)

Bible Verses About The Many Faces Of Pride

There are many aspects of pride, and here we will look at what the bible talked about the various faces of pride.

Pride Is Sin

The bible verses below in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 stated arrogance, boastfulness, blaspheming, conceitedness as part of sin that we would need to turn away from.

1 But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. (2 Timothy 3:1–5)

Pride Is A Curse

The bible verses below in Psalm 119:21 and Proverbs 18 tell us that pride is a curse that will surely lead to a bad ending.

21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments. (Psalm 119:21)

12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. (Proverbs 18:12)

Pride Is Refusing To Listen to God's Instructions

Another facet of pride is hardening oneself and refuse to listen to God's instructions or God's words according to the bible verses below. When it talks about hardening of the necks, it makes me think of wanting to go on a certain direction and not turning the head to the side to hear the instructions of God to go a different way.

Notwithstanding, they would not listen, but hardened their neck like the neck of their fathers who didn’t believe in The LORD their God. (2 Kings 17:14)

“But they and our fathers behaved proudly, hardened their neck, didn’t listen to your commandments, (Nehemiah 9:16)

But they didn’t listen or turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. (Jeremiah 7:24)

15 Hear, and give ear. Don’t be proud, for The LORD has spoken. (Jeremiah 13:15)

Pride Is Worldly

The bible verses below talk about how unhealthy pride belongs not to God's kingdom but it is from the world. What is bad about it if it is from the world? The world have values, beliefs or morals that are opposite of what God teaches us to have.

When we follow more of the world's ways of doing things instead of God's ways, we will start to drift away onto a path that leads us further from living a life that pleases God.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. 17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever. (1 John 2:16-17)

Pride Is A Desire To Be Famous

The bible verse below talks about the building of the Tower of Babel, where the people who had all one language at that time, they decided to make a name for themselves.

4 They said, “Come, let’s build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4)

Pride Is Bragging Or Boasting

The bible verses below tell us that pride is shown through someone's bragging or boasting.

11 The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Don’t let him who puts on his armor brag like he who takes it off.’ ” (1 Kings 20:11)

6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; even of his arrogance, his pride, and his wrath. His boastings are nothing. (Isaiah 16:6)

3 For the wicked boasts of his heart’s cravings. He blesses the greedy and condemns The LORD. (Psalm 10:3)

3 “Don’t keep talking so exceedingly proudly. Don’t let arrogance come out of your mouth, for The LORD is a God of knowledge. By him actions are weighed. (1 Samuel 2:3)

3 May The LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts, 4 who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?” (Psalm 12:3–4)

10 They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly. (Psalm 17:10)

18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt. (Psalm 31:18)

16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. (James 4:16)

14 About these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts—and their mouth speaks proud things—showing respect of persons to gain advantage. (Jude 14–16)

Pride Is Overconfidence In Oneself

Being wise in one own's eyes is being overconfident in oneself. The bible verse later in Romans 11:25-27 says that is a kind of conceit in itself.

11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him. (Proverbs 28:11)

One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Proverbs 28:26)

25 For I don’t desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 27 This is my covenant with them, when I will take away their sins.” (Romans 11:25–27)

Pride Is Arrogance, Or Looking Down On Others

The following bible verses tell us that pride is looking down on others, and it is also arrogance.

11 The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the arrogance of men will be bowed down, and The LORD alone will be exalted in that day. (Isaiah 2:11)

11 I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will humble the arrogance of the terrible. (Isaiah 13:11)

24 The proud and arrogant man—“Scoffer” is his name— he works in the arrogance of pride. (Proverbs 21:24)

Pride Is Contempt Towards Others

Contempt is the act of despising or a lack of respect according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Prideful contempt is rude, hurtful, scoffing in nature and oppressive according to the bible verses below.

They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely when I have executed judgments on all those around them who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am The LORD their God.” ’ ” (Ezekiel 28:26)

18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt. (Psalm 31:18)

3 Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud. (Psalm 123:3–4)

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31)

5 Behold, the princes of Israel, everyone according to his power, have been in you to shed blood. 7 In you have they treated father and mother with contempt. Among you they have oppressed the foreigner. In you they have wronged the fatherless and the widow. (Ezekiel 22:6–7)

6 For the Lord Yahweh says: “Because you have clapped your hands, stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt of your soul against the land of Israel, 7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand on you, and will deliver you for a plunder to the nations. I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries. I will destroy you. Then you will know that I am The LORD.” (Ezekiel 25:6–7)

Pride Is A Walk Of Life

Here in the bible verse of Daniel 4:37, we read from Nebuchadnezzar who experienced God's punishment after his own walk in pride. As we read more about Nebuchadnezzar's life before this, we see it was a way that he had lived, in pride, prior to his repentance.

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase. (Daniel 4:37)

Pride Comes From One's Heart

The bible verses below tell us that pride comes from our hearts. Proud imaginations come from our heart. It happens when our hearts are lifted up. This pride of the heart is self-deceptive. This kind of pride is evil and makes us unholy.

51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (Luke 1:51)

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. (Daniel 5:20)

10 “Therefore thus said the Lord The LORD: ‘Because he is exalted in stature, and he has set his top among the thick branches, and his heart is lifted up in his height, 11 I will deliver him into the hand of the mighty one of the nations. He will surely deal with him. I have driven him out for his wickedness. 12 Foreigners, the tyrants of the nations, have cut him off and have left him. His branches have fallen on the mountains and in all the valleys, and his boughs are broken by all the watercourses of the land. All the peoples of the earth have gone down from his shadow and have left him. 13 All the birds of the sky will dwell on his ruin, and all the animals of the field will be on his branches, 14 to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves in their stature, and don’t set their top among the thick boughs. Their mighty ones don’t stand up on their height, even all who drink water; for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, among the children of men, with those who go down to the pit.’ (Ezekiel 31:10–14)

2 Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised. 3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’ (Obadiah 2–3)

21 For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, 22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21–23)

What Are We Proud About?

Here are some list of things that are common reasons of one's pride. Let's be careful not to become proud of these areas.

Pride In Spiritual "Achievements"

There is also a negative kind of spiritual pride (according to the bible verses in 1 Timothy 6:3-5,) that it is teaching a different doctrine from the bible and going against what Jesus taught, also being obsessed with debates and arguments to cause disharmony among people. The bible verses below call that kind of person as a conceited person.

The bible verses below in Luke 18:11-14 are part of Jesus' teaching on spiritual pride of a Pharisee who was proud of all the spiritual things he was doing and looking down on other sinners. Jesus said that the sinner was the one who is made right with God, not the Pharisee.

This is a reminder not to be proud of one's spiritual "achievements" and not to look down on others who are "less spiritual".

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. (1 Timothy 6:3–5)

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11–14)

Pride In Beauty

Beauty can cause one to become proud about it according to the bible verse below in Ezekiel 28:17. Beauty can be a gift of God or the results of one's hard work to beautification. Though it is not a sin to be beautiful, it is a sin to be proud of one's beauty.

Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty. You have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I have cast you to the ground. I have laid you before kings, that they may see you. (Ezekiel 28:17)

Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:19)

Pride In The Flesh

The bible verses below from Philippians 3:3-6 are from Paul who are explaining to the Philippians why they should not put any pride in the flesh (in this case of their lineage or their circumcision).

2 Beware of the dogs; beware of the evil workers; beware of the false circumcision. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; 4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith, 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, 11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:2-11)

Pride In The Spirit

The bible verse below in Ecclesiastes talks about the proud in spirit, versus those who are patient.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Pride In Riches

The bible verses below also talk about those who are proud of their wealth. Even though being rich itself is not a sin.

6 Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches— 7 none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give God a ransom for him. (Psalm 49:6–7)

10 Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them. (Psalm 62:10)

11 Beware lest you forget The LORD your God, in not keeping his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I command you today; 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built fine houses and lived in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 then your heart might be lifted up, and you forget The LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; 15 who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with venomous snakes and scorpions, and thirsty ground where there was no water; who poured water for you out of the rock of flint; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers didn’t know, that he might humble you, and that he might prove you, to do you good at your latter end; 17 and lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.” 18 But you shall remember The LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is today. (Deuteronomy 8:11–18)

24 “If I have made gold my hope, and have said to the fine gold, ‘You are my confidence;’ 25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much; 26 if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor, 27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth; 28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have denied the God who is above. (Job 31:24–28)

24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” (Mark 10:24–25)

28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf. (Proverbs 11:28)

Pride in Power

Power is another thing that people can be proud about according to the bible verses below.

23 By your messengers, you have defied the Lord, and have said, “With the multitude of my chariots, I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon, and I will cut down its tall cedars and its choice cypress trees; and I will enter into his farthest lodging place, the forest of his fruitful field. (2 Kings 19:23)

Pride In Work And Possessions

The bible verse below in Jeremiah 48:7 also talks about the pride in works and treasures, rather than placing the trust in God.

7 For, because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you also will be taken. Chemosh will go out into captivity, his priests and his princes together. (Jeremiah 48:7)

God Knows Who Are Proud

According to the bible verse below, the Lord is aware of those who are proud, and he is not close to them. But this bible verse says that God will look after the lowly.

6 For though The LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but he knows the proud from afar. (Psalm 138:6)

Bible Verses About How God Hates Pride

The bible verses below tell us that God hates pride- pride is an abomination to him. As it is sin, and it is evil.

4 A high look and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin. (Proverbs 21:4)

13 The fear of The LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. (Proverbs 8:13)

5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is arrogant and conceited. (Psalm 101:5)

16 There are six things which The LORD hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, 19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16–19)

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to The LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5)

God Punishes Pride

The bible verses below tell us how God pronounced judgment to those who were proud- with the Woes and how he is against those who are proud.

1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine! (Isaiah 28:1)

3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot. (Isaiah 28:3)

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah 5:21)

12 For there will be a day of The LORD of Armies for all that is proud and arrogant, and for all that is lifted up, and it shall be brought low (Isaiah 2:12)

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15)

17 But if you will not hear it, my soul will weep in secret for your pride. My eye will weep bitterly, and run down with tears, because The LORD’s flock has been taken captive. (Jeremiah 13:17)

9 “The LORD says, ‘In this way I will ruin the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 13:9)

11 I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will humble the arrogance of the terrible. (Isaiah 13:11)

9 Therefore, as I live, says The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them. 10 This they will have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of The LORD of Armies. (Zephaniah 2:9–10)

19 I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your sky like iron, and your soil like bronze. (Leviticus 26:19)

3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)

23 Oh love The LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (Psalm 31:23)

15 The Lord Yahweh says: “Because the Philistines have taken revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt of soul to destroy with perpetual hostility,” 16 therefore the Lord God says, “Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. (Ezekiel 25:15–16)

25 The LORD God will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow’s borders intact. (Proverbs 15:25)

31“Behold, I am against you, you proud one,” says the Lord, God of Armies; “for your day has come, the time that I will visit you. 32 The proud one will stumble and fall, and no one will raise him up. I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all who are around him.” (Jeremiah 50:31–32)

20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. (Daniel 5:20)

Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled

The following bible verses are teachings from Jesus about pride and humility, besides the one already talked about above regarding the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:11-14.

Jesus is teaching us not to exalt ourselves, but rather, to humble ourselves.

Jesus also taught us not to lord over those who are under us, but to serve them as well.

To learn more about how to put your trust in Jesus, click here to read about Trusting God.

7 He spoke a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them, 8 “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by him, 9 and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:7–11)

25 He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so with you. Rather, the one who is greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:25–27)

Repent From Pride

The bible verse below from 2 Chronicles 32:26 tells us about how Hezekiah humbled himself and repented from his pride. Because of his turning back to God and humbling himself from his pride, God did not bring on the punishment on them.

Let's take a moment to think about this part. Do you feel a need to repent from your pride?

26 However, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that The LORD’s wrath didn’t come on them in the days of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 32:26)

Choose Humility Instead Of Pride

Sometimes pride can give oneself a sense of control or power, to help one feel better, but in the bible verses below, God teaches us to choose humility instead over pride. Being humble means being willing to submit to each other (in things that are not of moral conflict).

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:5–6)

5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5–7)

2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. (Proverbs 29:23)

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud. (Proverbs 16:19)

Choose Love Instead Of Pride

God's words also teaches us to love others instead of being proud. In the bible verses below in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we see that love does not brag nor is it proud. We can learn to love others, to be patient and kind, and the other ways of love below.

4 Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, 5 doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; 6 doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4–7)

Biblical Prayers About Others' Pride

Are you suffering because of someone's pride or contempt? Pray to God about it. You may follow some of the bible verses below in your prayer to God.

Here below, the various God-inspired writers were asking God for help against those who were proud.

11 Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away. (Psalm 36:11)

12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies which they utter. (Psalm 59:12)

22 Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes. (Psalm 119:22)

4 Blessed is the man who makes The LORD his trust, and doesn’t respect the proud, nor such as turn away to lies. (Psalm 40:4)

51 The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law. (Psalm 119:51)

69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts. (Psalm 119:69)

78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts. (Psalm 119:78)

85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law. (Psalm 119:85)

122 Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me. (Psalm 119:122)

1 If it had not been The LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say, 2 if it had not been The LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their wrath was kindled against us, 4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul. 5 Then the proud waters would have gone over our soul. (Psalm 124:1–5)

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah. 6 I said to The LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, O LORD. 7 God, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 O LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah. (Psalm 140:5–8)

You may use the following prayer guide to pray to God regarding your pride and to seek his help for protection from the proud.

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