Overcoming Pride: What the Bible Teaches About Humility and the Dangers of Self-Exaltation

What the Bible Teaches About Pride: The Dangers of Pride and How Jesus Can Help Us Conquer It

Pride, the root of all sin, is a ubiquitous culprit that burdens families, individuals, and entire societies. The Bible instructs with much wisdom the destructive job pride does to push individuals away from the plan of God. Understanding not just the impact pride produces but also the solution Jesus provides for dealing with pride is crucial as we explore what the Bible has to say about this vice.

What Does the Bible Say Regarding Pride?

Pride is consistently condemned in the Bible, typically as being an attitude that will be our downfall. According to Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse captures the attitude of how pride will blind us to our areas of weakness and lead us into traps in life. Short as it is, when we allow pride to overpower us, we are inviting ourselves to failure for it makes us exalt ourselves above others and even above God.

All over the Bible, pride is seen to be equal to sinning against God. The fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-15 is a very good example of how pride was his downfall. Lucifer, a high-ranking angel, was deceived by pride into believing that he should be placed above God, and as a result was banished from heaven. The Apostle James mentions the dangers of pride in James 4:6, where he states, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." This reminds us that pride invites opposition from God, who prefers obedience and humility to His will.

The Dangers of Pride

The Bible instructs us that pride has many negative consequences, both in the spiritual world and in real life. The following are some of the consequences of pride:

1. Alienation from God

Pride can interfere with our relationship with God. When we let pride take root, we put ourselves in the stance of self-sufficiency, which drives us away from God's guidance and help. Proverbs 3:34 warns us, "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." A proud heart is not receptive to God's grace, and that is why we should be able to perceive how this sin keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God's love.

2. Division and Conflict

Pride has a tendency to divide people. In Philippians 2:3, the Apostle Paul commands believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Pride inspires a competitive, self-centered attitude that can create conflict in relationships, while humility inspires unity and harmony.

3. Loss of Wisdom and Understanding

The Bible continually teaches us that pride blinds us to wisdom. In Job 35:12-13, it says, "There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men." When pride settles in our hearts, it hardens our ears against hearing the voice of God and doing His commandments.

4. Spiritual Destruction

Proverbs 18:12 goes on to state that "Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." Spiritual pride is the stepping stone to destruction. The Bible clearly states that the proud will be judged by God (Psalm 101:5), and the humble will be exalted.

What Does Jesus Teach About Pride?

Jesus' words throughout the Gospels provide the perfect counter to pride: humility. He consistently encourages His disciples to assume a humble heart, putting aside self-elevation and focusing on serving others.

1. The Need for Humility

Jesus Himself is the greatest example of humility. In Matthew 11:29, He instructs us, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus, the Son of God, could have justifiably taken His divine right, but rather He led a humble, servant-hearted life, and He sets before us the finest example of how to live free from the trap of pride. 2. Serving Others

In Luke 22:27, Jesus turns things around about worldly values when He stands up and declares, "For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves." Irrespective of society's value for status and power, Jesus illustrates that greatness in the kingdom of God does not necessarily involve being served but also serving.

The key to true greatness lies in humility and the willingness to serve others before ourselves.

3. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus recites the parable of a self-righteous Pharisee who strut about deeming himself righteous and a humble tax collector who beats his chest, pleading for mercy. Jesus concludes, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."This great parable informs us that God values humility, and the proud will be humbled.

4. The Invitation to Be Like Children

Jesus instructs in Matthew 18:3-4 that you must become and be different, like little children, to come into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus calls His followers to adopt the qualities of dependence, trust, and humility possessed by children towards God. Humility is required in order to experience the love and grace of God, which is a prerequisite for entering into God's complete kingdom.

How to Overcome Pride with Humility

If pride is your nemesis, God has very down-to-earth guidance on how to overcome it in the Bible:

1. Repentance and Confession

Repentance is the entrance to the conquest of pride. When we confess our sin and reject our selfishness, we open ourselves up to God's grace and healing. 1 John 1:9 guarantees, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

2. Take on a Heart of Service

Follow Jesus' example of serving others and placing their needs before your own. Through acts of kindness, volunteering, or even compassion, serving others turns the spotlight off of yourself and onto the needs of others.

3. Exercise Humility in Prayer

Prayer is a powerful weapon in overcoming pride. When you approach God humbly, recognizing you need Him, He will empower you to rise above pride. As James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

4. Consult with Others

Surround yourself with humble and teachable others. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Depending on others for support and accountability can help keep your eyes on humility and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that pride is sin. It creates a wedge between God and us, leads us to be destroyed, and creates strife in relationships. Jesus reveals the antidote by revealing humility, service, and dependence on God. We can be strong against the dangers of pride and have a heart that will magnify God to the highest degree if we embrace the teaching of Scripture.

If you are looking for resources that will allow you to live a more humble existence, turn to reading Christian literature, studying the Bible, or joining a fellowship of believers who encourage one another in pursuing Christlikeness. While humility is not always an easy path, God's grace can empower us to defeat pride and live lives that show His love and grace.