Pride, as defined in the Bible, refers to an excessive belief in one’s own abilities or accomplishments. It is often viewed in a negative light, as it can lead to arrogance, selfishness, and a lack of humility. The phrase “pride comes before the fall” is a popular proverbial saying that highlights the dangers of being too prideful and the consequences that can result from it.
In the Bible, the concept of pride and its consequences are a recurring theme. The Bible warns us about the dangers of pride and how it can lead to downfall. The verse “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” from Proverbs 16:18 is one of the most well-known verses that speaks to this idea. Let’s explore more Bible verses that elaborate on this topic:
1. Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
2. Proverbs 16:5
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
3. Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
4. Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
5. Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
6. James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
7. Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
8. Proverbs 26:12
“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
9. Galatians 6:3
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
10. Proverbs 15:25
“The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.”
These verses remind us of the importance of staying humble and avoiding pride. Pride can lead to destruction and separation from God, while humility brings wisdom and honor. Let us always strive to cultivate humility in our hearts and minds, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Pride Comes Before the Fall Meaning
Bible Verses About Pride and Humility
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Proverbs 29:23 – “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
- James 4:6 – “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
- 1 Peter 5:5 – “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
These verses emphasize the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. They warn against the dangers of arrogance and stress the need to be humble in all aspects of life. When individuals become too prideful, they become at risk of a fall or downfall, as pride can blind them to their own faults and weaknesses.
Examples of Pride Leading to Destruction
In the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who let their pride lead to their downfall. One such example is the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar became too prideful and boastful about his accomplishments, prompting God to humble him by causing him to lose his sanity and live like a wild animal for seven years.
Character
Prideful Action
Consequences
King Saul
Disobeyed God’s commands out of pride
Lost his kingship and favor with God
Pharaoh
Refused to let the Israelites go out of pride
Plagues struck Egypt until he relented
These examples serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility in the eyes of God. By staying humble and keeping pride in check, individuals can avoid the pitfalls that come with being too self-important.
Proverbs 16:18-19
Proverbs 16:18-19 – Pride Goes Before Destruction
Proverbs 16:18-19 warns us about the dangers of pride and arrogance. This passage reminds us that when we become prideful and self-centered, it can lead to our downfall. Let us explore this topic further through the following Bible verses.
- Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
- Proverbs 16:5 – “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
- Proverbs 29:23 – “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
- James 4:6 – “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
- 1 Peter 5:5 – “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
- Proverbs 3:34 – “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.”
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
- Proverbs 13:10 – “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
- Proverbs 21:4 – “Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:8 – “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Pride Goes Before a Fall Story
One of the most common themes in the Bible is the warning against pride. The saying “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” is a well-known proverb that highlights the consequences of being too proud. Here are a few Bible verses that emphasize the dangers of pride:
1. Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse from the book of Proverbs is a clear warning against the consequences of pride. It reminds us that being too proud can lead to our downfall.
2. Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse highlights the contrast between pride and humility. While pride can bring disgrace, humility is associated with wisdom.
3. James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
James reminds us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This serves as a reminder that humility is valued in the eyes of God.
4. Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse from the book of Luke reinforces the idea that humility is rewarded, while pride leads to humiliation.
5. The Fall of Lucifer
In Isaiah 14:12-15, the fall of Lucifer is described. Lucifer’s pride led to his downfall and expulsion from heaven. This serves as a powerful example of the consequences of pride.
6. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee’s prideful attitude is contrasted with the humility of the tax collector, who is ultimately justified before God. This story illustrates the importance of humility over pride.
Verse
Lesson
Proverbs 16:18
Pride leads to destruction
Proverbs 11:2
Humility brings wisdom
James 4:6
God opposes the proud
Luke 14:11
Humility leads to exaltation
Pride Comes Before the Fall Nkjv
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ “
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ “
Proverbs 29:23
“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
Isaiah 2:17
“And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”
Psalm 10:4
“In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’ “
Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
Daniel 4:37
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.”
Luke 18:14
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
These verses from the Bible serve as a warning against pride and the consequences it can bring. They emphasize the importance of humility and the dangers of placing oneself above others. It is a reminder that pride can lead to destruction and disgrace, while humility is rewarded with wisdom and grace from God. By embracing humility and acknowledging the power and sovereignty of God, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Pride Comes Before the Fall Kjv
In the Bible, the concept of pride and its consequences are frequently mentioned. One popular verse that highlights this is Proverbs 16:18 which states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (NIV).
Let us explore more verses that emphasize the dangers of pride:
- Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (NIV).
- Proverbs 29:23: “Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor” (NIV).
- James 4:6: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'” (NIV).
- Proverbs 16:5: “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished” (NIV).
- Psalm 10:4: “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God” (NIV).
- Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips” (NIV).
- 1 Peter 5:5: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'” (NIV).
- Proverbs 13:10: “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (NIV).
- Isaiah 2:12: “The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled)” (NIV).
- Proverbs 21:24: “The proud and arrogant person—’Mocker’ is his name— behaves with insolent fury” (NIV).