About Pride
God opposes the proud. That does not mean that God hates proud people, but rather that human pride is antithetical to the Gospel. This is because pride represents a higher sense of confidence in oneself than in God, and the core of the Gospel is trusting completely in Jesus to save. Humility is the opposite virtue from pride, because it emphasizes sacrifice, service, and ranking others as more important than oneself. The pursuit of humility will naturally reduce prideful tendencies in our lives.
Wise Words
Humility draws God’s grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. – James 4:6 ESV
Humility leads to blessing. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. – Proverbs 22:4 ESV
Humility produces wisdom. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. – Proverbs 11:2 ESV
God’s pride for His people is virtuous. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves. – Psalm 47:4 ESV
Wise Warnings
Pride can cause tension. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. – Proverbs 13:10 NIV
Pride is dangerous. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18 ESV
Pride can produce humility. One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. – Proverbs 29:23 ESV
Boasting is frowned upon. Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches…” – Jeremiah 9:23 ESV
Gospel Wisdom
Pride is a Gospel issue. The human leaning toward trust in self is often the biggest barrier people face when they’re confronted with the truth of the Gospel. In order to be saved by Jesus and transformed by Jesus, we must trust Him and submit our lives to Him. We can take great comfort in knowing that through Christ God forgives all sins, including the sin of pride. When we read a passage of Scripture that challenges or convicts us in an area of our lives, we must be willing to lay down our pride and walk in obedience. In this way God uses humility to transform our lives through the power of the Gospel, and our changed lives then become a Gospel example to others.
Other Wisdom
Daniel 2:1-4:37
John 13:1-16
Acts 12:1-23
Philippians 2:1-11
Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahaney
Mother Teresa: An Authorized Biography, by Kathryn Spink