What does the Bible say about self-exaltation?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that self-exaltation is prideful rebellion against God and calls us instead to humility, truth, and glorying in the Lord alone. God humbles the lofty, as Ezekiel 31:10-14 portrays in the judgment of proud Assyria, and Obadiah 1:3-4 shows that no secure position can protect the arrogant from His hand. Jesus teaches in Luke 14:7-11 that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while the humble will be exalted. Believers must reject boastful self-deception (Galatians 6:3), take every proud thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), and seek the Lord's approval rather than their own praise (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Job 12:3; Ezekiel 31:10-14; Obadiah 1:3; Obadiah 1:4; Luke 14:7-11; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 2 Corinthians 10:17; 2 Corinthians 10:18; Galatians 6:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:4
- See PRIDE
- See SELFISHNESS
- See SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
- INSTANCES OF
- Pharaoh Exodus 9:17
- Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Numbers 16:1-3
- Sennacherib 2 Chronicles 32:9-19
- Prince of Tyre, making himself God Ezekiel 28:2; Ezekiel 28:9
- Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:30; Daniel 5:20
- Belshazzar Daniel 5:23
- Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:9
- Herod Agrippa I, when deified by the people Acts 12:20-23
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