Human Pride in Scripture: A Biblical Analysis
Human Pride in Scripture
Pride is a recurring theme in biblical teachings, often associated with negative consequences and considered a hindrance to a right relationship with God. The biblical concept of pride is multifaceted, encompassing not just arrogance but also self-sufficiency and a lack of dependence on God [1].
The biblical text identifies various sources of pride, including self-righteousness (Luke 18:11-12), religious privileges (Zephaniah 3:11), unsanctified knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1), inexperience (1 Timothy 3:6), possession of power (Leviticus 26:19; Ezekiel 30:6), and wealth (2 Kings 20:13) [1]. These sources suggest that pride can manifest in various aspects of life, from religious practices to material possessions.
The consequences of pride are severe. It is described as "hateful to God" (Proverbs 6:16-17; 16:5) and "hateful before God and men" (Sirach 10:7) [1, 4]. Pride is also linked to other negative traits and behaviors, such as strife (Proverbs 13:10; 28:25), contention (Proverbs 26:21), and cruelty to the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49) [3, 5].
In Ezekiel 16:49, pride is identified as a key factor in Sodom's downfall, stemming from "fullness of bread" and resulting in "idleness" and a lack of concern for the poor. This passage highlights the social and moral implications of pride, demonstrating how it can lead to a neglect of one's responsibilities towards others [5].
The biblical response to pride involves recognizing its dangers and actively working against it. Believers are exhorted not to be proud (1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 12:3, 16) and to humble themselves before God [1]. The Psalms express a longing for God and a recognition of the importance of humility, with David praying for a heart that is not proud (Psalm 131:1) [6].
In contrast to pride, the biblical concept of love for Christ is characterized by humility, obedience, and a willingness to serve. This love is described as being "sincere" (Ephesians 6:24) and "supreme" (Matthew 10:37), indicating a prioritization of one's relationship with Christ above all else [2].
The connection between pride and one's relationship with God is further emphasized in the Psalms. Matthew Henry notes that David's love for God is characterized by a deep longing for a closer relationship, expressed through metaphors of thirsting and panting for God (Psalm 42:1-2) [6]. This contrasts with the pride that leads individuals to distance themselves from God.
The biblical warnings against pride are not limited to individual behavior but also extend to communal and societal levels. Jeremiah 11:15 highlights the "lewdness with many" or "manifold enormity" of Judah's idolatry, which is seen as a form of pride that defiles their worship and relationship with God [7].
Sources
- 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: Love to Christ — Exhibited by God -- Mt 17:5; Joh 5:20. Exhibited by saints -- 1Pe 1:8. His personal excellence is deserving of -- Song 5:9-16. His love to us a motive to -- 2Co 5:14. Manifested in Seeking him. -- Song 3:2. Obeying him. -- Joh 14:15,21,23. Ministering to him. -- Mt 27:55; 25:40. Preferring him to all others. -- Mt 10:37. Taking up the cross for Him. -- Mt 10:38. A characteristic of saints -- Song 1:4. An evidence of adoption -- Joh 8:42. Should be Sincere. -- Eph 6:24. With the soul. -- Song 1:7. In proportion to our mercies. -- Lu 7:47. Supreme. -- ”
- 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”
- Sirach “Sirach 10:7 (DRC) — Pride is hateful before God and men: and all iniquity of nations is execrable.”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 16:49: pride--inherited by Moab, her offspring (Isa 16:6; Jer 48:26), and by Ammon (Jer 49:4). God, the heart-searcher, here specifies as Sodom's sin, not merely her notorious lusts, but the secret spring of them, "pride" flowing from "fullness of bread," caused by the fertility of the soil (Gen 13:10), and producing "idleness." abundance of idleness--literally, "the secure carelessness of ease" or idleness. neither did she strengthen . . . the poor--Pride is always cruel; it arrogates to itself all things, and despises brethren, for whose needs it ther”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 42:1: Holy love to God as the chief good and our felicity is the power of godliness, the very life and soul of religion, without which all external professions and performances are but a shell and carcase: now here we have some of the expressions of that love. Here is, I. Holy love thirsting, love upon the wing, soaring upwards in holy desires towards the Lord and towards the remembrance of his name (Psa 42:1, Psa 42:2): "My soul panteth, thirsteth, for God, for nothing more than God, but still for more and more of him." Now observe, 1. When it was that David thus expre”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 11:15: my beloved--My elect people, Judea; this aggravates their ingratitude (Jer 12:7). lewdness with many-- (Eze 16:25). Rather, "that great (or, manifold) enormity"; literally, "the enormity, the manifold"; namely, their idolatry, which made their worship of God in the temple a mockery (compare Jer 7:10; Eze 23:39) [HENDERSON]. holy flesh-- (Hag 2:12-14; Tit 1:15), namely, the sacrifices, which, through the guilt of the Jews, were no longer holy, that is, acceptable to God. The sacrifices on which they relied will, therefore, no longer protect them.”