Pride and humility are two concepts that the Bible addresses extensively. They are not just moral virtues but also spiritual principles that shape our relationship with God and with others. Pride, often defined as an inflated sense of self-importance or a desire for superiority, is portrayed negatively in Scripture. It leads to a separation from God, as it fosters arrogance, selfishness, and a lack of acknowledgment for God’s sovereignty. On the other hand, humility is viewed as a virtue that pleases God. Humility involves recognizing our limitations, submitting to God’s will, and valuing others above ourselves.
Understanding the difference between pride and humility is essential for living a life that honors God. The Bible offers numerous passages that challenge us to examine our hearts, confront pride, and cultivate humility. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the theme of humility and the dangers of pride resonate deeply in God’s teachings.
This article explores 25 Bible verses on pride and humility. These scriptures will provide insight into the biblical perspective on these two attitudes and encourage us to embrace humility while recognizing the dangers of pride.
1. Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
This well-known verse warns us about the destructive nature of pride. It illustrates that pride often leads to a downfall, as it clouds judgment and fosters arrogance. Humility, on the other hand, leads to wisdom and honor.
2. James 4:6 (KJV)
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
God actively opposes pride and favors humility. This verse teaches us that God’s grace is abundant for those who humble themselves, and He resists those who elevate themselves over others.
3. Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Humility is about serving others and considering their needs above our own. This passage calls us to look beyond our selfish desires and prioritize the well-being of others, practicing selflessness and humility in our interactions.
4. Proverbs 11:2 (KJV)
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
Pride leads to shame, while humility brings wisdom. Humility allows us to learn from God and others, whereas pride blinds us to our own weaknesses.
5. Matthew 23:12 (KJV)
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
This verse speaks to the reversal of worldly values. In God’s Kingdom, those who humble themselves will be exalted, while those who seek to exalt themselves will be humbled. This principle emphasizes that true greatness comes through humility.
6. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV)
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
Humility is not just an individual virtue but also a relational one. We are called to submit to one another and to be clothed with humility, knowing that God opposes pride and exalts the humble in His perfect timing.
7. Isaiah 2:11 (KJV)
“The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.”
In the end, all prideful attitudes will be humbled before God. This verse points to a future time when God will set all things right, and pride will be eradicated.
8. Romans 12:3 (KJV)
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Pride often manifests in thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. This verse calls for a sober evaluation of ourselves, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, not something to boast about.
9. Proverbs 18:12 (KJV)
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
A prideful heart leads to destruction, but humility leads to honor. This verse illustrates the path of pride and how it leads to ruin, while humility prepares the way for exaltation.
10. Luke 14:11 (KJV)
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Jesus reiterates the principle of humility. Those who elevate themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be honored.
11. Proverbs 22:4 (KJV)
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”
Humility, coupled with reverence for God, brings blessings. True honor and riches come from a heart that fears and respects God, not from prideful self-promotion.
12. Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Being “poor in spirit” refers to humility and recognizing our spiritual poverty before God. Those who humble themselves in this way are blessed, for they will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
13. Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
God is close to those who are humble, brokenhearted, and contrite in spirit. Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God, and He draws near to those who admit their need for Him.
14. James 4:10 (KJV)
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
Humbling ourselves before God is a crucial part of the Christian walk. When we humble ourselves, God promises to lift us up in due time.
15. Ephesians 4:2 (KJV)
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Humility is closely associated with meekness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. These qualities reflect a humble spirit that seeks peace and unity.
16. 1 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV)
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Everything we have is a gift from God, and this verse challenges us not to take credit for what we have, lest we become prideful. Humility acknowledges that all good things come from God.
17. Luke 18:14 (KJV)
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
This verse comes from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, where the tax collector’s humility led to his justification, while the Pharisee’s pride led to his downfall. Humility before God is the path to justification and honor.
18. Proverbs 15:33 (KJV)
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”
Before any honor or recognition, there must be humility. True wisdom and honor in the Lord come from a heart that humbly fears and reveres Him.
19. Psalm 138:6 (KJV)
“Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.”
God shows favor to the humble, even though He is high and exalted. The proud are distanced from God, but the humble have His nearness.
20. Proverbs 29:23 (KJV)
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
Pride leads to a fall, but humility leads to honor. This verse serves as a reminder that our attitude towards God and others determines whether we experience a fall or rise to honor.
21. Romans 11:20 (KJV)
“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear.”
Humility is rooted in faith and reverence for God. When we humble ourselves, we recognize that we stand by faith, not by our own efforts or achievements.
22. 1 Timothy 3:6 (KJV)
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
New leaders in the church are warned not to become prideful, as this can lead to spiritual ruin. Humility is essential for those in positions of leadership.
23. Micah 6:8 (KJV)
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
God calls us to walk humbly with Him. Humility involves living justly, loving mercy, and maintaining a right relationship with God.
24. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (KJV)
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”
True glory and honor come not from prideful self-promotion but from knowing God and reflecting His character in the world.
25. Zephaniah 3:11 (KJV)
“In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.”
God will remove pride from His people, and those who have humbled themselves will find His favor and blessing. Humility is key to receiving God’s forgiveness and restoration.
Conclusion
Pride and humility are two opposing forces that shape our character and spiritual walk. The Bible makes it clear that pride leads to destruction and separation from God, while humility opens the door to God’s grace, wisdom, and honor. As Christians, we are called to examine our hearts and attitudes, choosing humility over pride, and trusting in God’s sovereign power to lift us up in due time.
Living in humility doesn’t mean a lack of self-worth or ambition but rather a recognition that everything we have and are comes from God. Humility is a posture of the heart that places others above ourselves and submits to God’s will. May these Bible verses serve as a guide to reflect on the importance of humility and the dangers of pride, and may they help us live lives that honor God and reflect His character to the world.
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