Frequency of Pride and Proud in the Bible
The concept of pride is addressed numerous times in the Bible, often in the context of its negative consequences. The terms "pride" and "proud" appear in various biblical passages, frequently associated with arrogance, haughtiness, and a general disregard for others [1, 2].
In the Old Testament, the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah both condemn the pride of Moab, describing it as excessive and noting that it is hateful to God [1, 2]. The book of Proverbs also warns against pride, stating that it is sinful and can lead to a downfall (Proverbs 16:18) [7]. According to Matthew Henry, pride is a characteristic that affronts God and disquiets others, and it is an act of justice that those who exalt themselves should be laid low [7].
Torrey's Topical Textbook categorizes pride as a sin that is hateful to both God and Christ, often originating from self-righteousness, unsanctified knowledge, or possession of power and wealth [3]. The textbook also notes that pride can harden the mind and is a hindrance to spiritual growth [3].
The biblical concept of pride is closely tied to other negative emotions and behaviors, such as anger and strife. According to Proverbs, pride can excite strife, while anger can stir up contention (Proverbs 13:10; 15:18) [4, 5]. The Psalmist also notes that God hates pride and that the proud are those who exalt themselves, whereas God humbles them (Psalm 18:27; 101:5) [6].
In the New Testament, the concept of pride is not explicitly defined, but it is often associated with a lack of humility and a focus on self. The biblical warnings against pride suggest that it is a pervasive and damaging sin that can have severe consequences for individuals and communities.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin and other commentators, views pride as a fundamental aspect of human sinfulness, which must be countered by humility and a recognition of God's sovereignty [8]. According to Calvin, pride is often manifested in outward behavior, such as lofty looks, and is a sign of a deeper inward condition of sinful confidence [8].
The biblical emphasis on the dangers of pride serves as a warning to believers to cultivate humility and to recognize the dangers of self-exaltation. By examining the biblical teaching on pride, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of humility and the need to avoid the pitfalls of pride.
Sources
- Jeremiah “We have heard of the pride of Moab. He is very proud; his loftiness, and his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart. -- Jeremiah 48:29”
- Isaiah “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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Pride — Is sin -- Pr 21:4. Hateful to God -- Pr 6:16,17; 16:5. Hateful to Christ -- Pr 8:12,13. Often originates in Self-righteousness. -- Lu 18:11,12. Religious privileges. -- Zep 3:11. Unsanctified knowledge. -- 1Co 8:1. Inexperience. -- 1Ti 3:6. Possession of power. -- Le 26:19; Eze 30:6. Possession of wealth. -- 2Ki 20:13. Forbidden -- 1Sa 2:3; Ro 12:3,16. Defiles a man -- Mr 7:20,22. Hardens the mind -- Da 5:20. Saints give not away. -- Ps 131:1. Respect not, in others. -- Ps 40:4. Mourn over, in others. -- Jer 13:17. Hate, in others. -- Ps 101:5. A hindrance to”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Anger — Forbidden -- Ec 7:9; Mt 5:22; Ro 12:19. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. A characteristic of fools -- Pr 12:16; 14:29; 27:3; Ec 7:9. Connected with Pride. -- Pr 21:24. Cruelty. -- Ge 49:7; Pr 27:3,4. Clamour and evil-speaking. -- Eph 4:31. Malice and blasphemy. -- Col 3:8. Strife and contention. -- Pr 21:19; 29:22; 30:33. Brings its own punishment -- Job 5:2; Pr 19:19; 25:28. Grievous words stir up -- Jdj 12:4; 2Sa 19:43; Pr 15:1. Should not betray us into sin -- Ps 37:8; Eph 4:26. In prayer be free from -- 1Ti 2:8. May be averted by wisdom -- Pr 29:8. Meeknes”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 18:27: 18:27 proud: The Lord hates pride (101:5; 131:1; see Prov 6:16-17; 21:4; 30:13).”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 16:18: Note, 1. Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud, Job 40:11, Job 40:12. It is the act of justice that those who have lifted up themselves should be laid low. Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, were instances of this. Men cannot punish pride, but either admire it or fear it, and therefore God will take the pu”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 8.26: blessings, that it might be the mirror of the glory and holiness of God. Isaiah now threatens that, because the Jews have risen up against him, God will employ a new method of exalting his glory, that is, by their destruction. When he speaks of lofty looks and loftiness , he employs an outward gesture to denote the inward pride of the mind; for sinful confidence almost always betrays, by the very looks, a contempt of God and of men. In the same sense does David describe the man whose eyes are lofty . ( Psalm 101:5 .) 12. For the day of the LO”