What does the Bible say about pride?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that pride is a sinful exaltation of self that opposes God, distorts our judgment, and leads toward disgrace and ruin. Proverbs warns that pride comes before destruction, while humility brings wisdom and honor (Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 29:23). God hates arrogant hearts and calls His people to hate pride as He does (Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 16:5). James 4:6 gives both warning and hope: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore believers should reject worldly self-glory, esteem others above themselves, and pursue the lowly-minded humility displayed by Christ (Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:3).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 11:2 3 votes
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
- Proverbs 29:23 3 votes
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
- Proverbs 8:13 3 votes
The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
- Proverbs 16:18 3 votes
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
- James 4:6 2 votes
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Romans 12:16 2 votes
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.
- Proverbs 16:5 2 votes
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
- 1 John 2:16 2 votes
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
- Proverbs 18:12 2 votes
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
- Philippians 2:3 2 votes
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about pride and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about pride