Non-Scriptural Examples of Human Pride and Arrogance
Human Pride and Arrogance in Biblical and Historical Contexts
The biblical prophets frequently condemn pride and arrogance, highlighting their destructive nature. Jeremiah 48:29 describes Moab as "very proud; his loftiness, and his pride, and his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart" [1]. Similarly, Isaiah 16:6 notes Moab's "arrogance... haughtiness and his arrogance and his passion" [2]. These characteristics are not limited to nations but are also attributed to individuals.
Pride is considered a sin that originates from various sources, including self-righteousness, religious privileges, unsanctified knowledge, inexperience, possession of power, and wealth [3]. The biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, warns against the dangers of pride. Proverbs 21:24 states that "proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath" [6]. This wrath is not just a personal failing but can lead to societal conflicts, as "most of the wrath that inflames the spirits and societies of men is proud wrath" [6].
The consequences of pride are severe. It can harden the mind, as seen in the case of Nebuchadnezzar, whose pride led to a loss of reason and moderation [4]. According to Calvin, the pride of individuals can lead them to consider themselves above others, even those of noble rank [5]. This attitude is not limited to the wealthy or powerful; even those in positions of commercial influence, like factors or merchants, can develop an inflated sense of self-importance [5].
The New Testament continues this theme, warning against the dangers of pride in the life of believers. The Apostle Paul's experiences with revelations and his thorn in the flesh serve as a cautionary tale against spiritual pride [7]. John Gill notes that "knowledge, gifts, and revelations are apt to puff up with spiritual pride, unless counterbalanced by a deeper understanding of one's own sinfulness and God's grace" [7].
Historical and theological interpretations of pride and arrogance highlight its pervasive nature. Adam Clarke observes that pride, combined with obstinacy and self-interest, can lead individuals to justify even the most heinous actions as righteous [8]. The Psalmist warns that "proud and violent people hold no regard for God or for other people" [9].
Theological traditions emphasize the need for humility as a counterbalance to pride. The biblical call to humility is not merely a moral exhortation but a necessary aspect of a healthy spiritual life. As Matthew Henry notes, pride "exposes men to sin; it makes them passionate, and kindles in them the fire of proud wrath" [6]. The remedy lies in recognizing the root of pride and plucking it out, rather than merely addressing its manifestations.
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 “Isaiah 16:6 (Rotherham) — We have heard of the arrogance of Moab, Proud exceedingly! His haughtiness and his arrogance and his passion, Not true, are his boastings.”
- 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”
- Habakkuk (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Habakkuk 1:11: Then--when elated by his successes. shall his mind change--He shall lose whatever of reason or moderation ever was in him, with pride. he shall pass over--all bounds and restraints: his pride preparing the sure way for his destruction (Pro 16:18). The language is very similar to that describing Nebuchadnezzar's "change" from man's heart (understanding) to that of a beast, because of pride (see on Dan 4:16; Dan 4:30-31; Dan 4:33-34). An undesigned coincidence between the two sacred books written independently. imputing this his power unto his go”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 11.12: are on a level with princes, and that they are above all other men except kings; and even the factors look on men of rank as beneath them. I have been told, too, that at Antwerp there are factors who do not hesitate to lay out expenses which the wealthiest of the nobility could not support. We are wont to put questions, when no reply can be given but what we wish; and this is an indication of boldness. 9. To profane the pride, or, to profane the loftiness; for it may be read either way, because loftiness leads to pride, and where loftiness o”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:24: See here the mischief of pride and haughtiness. 1. It exposes men to sin; it makes them passionate, and kindles in them the fire of proud wrath. They are continually dealing in it, as if it were their trade to be angry, and they had nothing so much to do as to barter passions and exchange bitter words. Most of the wrath that inflames the spirits and societies of men is proud wrath. Men cannot bear the least slight, nor in any thing to be crossed or contradicted, but they are out of humour, nay, in a heat, immediately. It likewise makes them scornful when they a”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 12:5: And lest I should be exalted above measure,.... Over much elated in his mind, and swelled with a vain conceit of himself: through the abundance of the revelations; for he had not only one or two, or a few, but an abundance of them; and which, as everything does but grace, tended to lift up his mind, to stir up the pride of his heart, and to entertain too high and exalted thoughts of himself. Pride is naturally in every man's heart; converted persons are not without it; knowledge, gifts, and revelations are apt to puff up with spiritual pride, unless counterba”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 6:11: They were filled with madness - Pride, obstinacy, and interest, combined together, are capable of any thing. When men have once framed their conscience according to their passions, madness passes for zeal, the blackest conspiracies for pious designs, and the most horrid attempts for heroic actions. Quesnel.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 54:3: 54:3 The strangers were alienated from the covenant community (see 109:11; Prov 5:10). • Proud and violent people hold no regard for God or for other people (see Pss 35:11, 25; 86:14; Prov 11:16).”