QOTW - What does the Bible say about pride?

The Question of the Week by GotQuestions.org The Question of the Week by GotQuestions.org [Click here to view this email as a webpage]( 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 can feel about a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or the kind of pride we express over the accomplishment of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4). 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 10:4 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 10:18). 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. Recommended Resources [Landmines in the Path of the Believer: Avoiding the Hidden Dangers by Charles F. Stanley]( [More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!]( --------------------------------------------------------------- What’s new on GotQuestions.org? [What does it mean that all things are possible to him who believes (Mark 9:23)?]( [I am married to a drug addict? What should I do?]( [What is muscular Christianity?]( [What is the significance of Jesus telling the lame man to, “Take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8)?]( [What is the Hall of Faith in the Bible?]( [What does it mean that there is neither male nor female (Galatians 3:28)?]( [How can I have God’s Word hidden in my heart (Psalm 119:11)?]( [What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6)?]( [What is radical theology?]( [What does it mean that the battle is the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47)?]( [What does it mean that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23)?]( [What did Jesus mean when He said, “Your word is truth” in John 17:17?]( [Should a Christian prepare a last will and testament?]( [What does the Bible say about perseveration? What does it mean to perseverate?]( --------------------------------------------------------------- GotQuestions.org seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical answers to spiritually-related questions. To continue in this mission, we need your support! For more information, please visit our [Support Page]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [More...]( --------------------------------------------------------------- GotQuestions.org Recommends: --------------------------------------------------------------- The GotQuestions.org Network: This message was sent to {EMAIL} from: Got Questions Ministries | 6050 Stetson Hills Blvd., #254 | Colorado Springs, CO 80923 [iContact - Try It Free!]( [Unsubscribe](