The definition of being proud in the Bible⁤ is ‌multifaceted and holds profound meaning‍ within⁢ its ⁣context. In the Bible,​ the term “proud” is often associated with its negative connotation, referring to a‍ behavior or attitude that stands in opposition to the humility and ⁣righteousness that God desires.



One of the primary features of the definition of proud in ⁣the Bible⁤ is the emphasis on self-exaltation and arrogance.⁤ It signifies a person who possesses an inflated sense of self-importance, believing ⁣that ‍they are superior to others either due to their achievements, possessions, or social status. In Proverbs ⁣16:5, it is ⁢written, “Everyone who

Pride, as discussed here, refers to a sinful, arrogant, haughty, insolent, self-reliant attitude or spirit that causes a person to have an inflated or puffed up view of themselves (Proverbs 21:4). This is different from “taking pride” in a job well done. Those who are proud think of themselves as better than others and look down on others with contempt and derision. The proud do not have a correct or sober estimation of themselves, their abilities or their positions (Romans 12:3). They see themselves as over and above others and believe themselves to be pre-eminent. In the minds of the proud, they are the most important people in the world. The clearest and most pronounced example of pride in Scripture is Satan himself. A former angel, he was not content with his status or station. Instead of submitting to the rule of the Almighty, Satan opposes God and God’s people. Scripture refers to Satan as the adversary (1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1—2; Zechariah 3:1–2). Not content with his own rebellion, Satan went on to tempt mankind as well (Genesis 3:1–5; Revelation 12:9). Pride was the main temptation Satan used to get mankind on his side. The temptation to “be like God” was not to be in the “image of God” for man and woman were already made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Satan’s temptation was for man to be independent of God, self-reliant (Genesis 3:5). Instead of relying on and trusting in God and His Word, Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s lies and sinned against God (Genesis 3:6). Instead of acknowledging God’s authority through grateful worship, mankind sought to exalt themselves to a status of equality with God Himself. To make themselves the measure of all things. The result of pride is contention, shame, death, and destruction. We can see all of these disastrous consequences in both of the examples previously mentioned, Satan and mankind. Satan’s pride resulted in his opposition to God and in his seduction of the pinnacle of God’s creation, mankind. Even though God has allowed Satan to roam the world for now, his end is certain (Matthew 25:41). Likewise, the result of mankind’s pride was enmity between man and God, shame, guilt, and death (Colossians 1:21; Genesis 3:8; Romans 5:12; 6:23). These examples prove the truth of Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The repercussions of that fall are recorded in the first chapter of Romans verses 18–32. Mankind has brought a curse on both the world and themselves through both Adam’s fall and our own prideful disobedience (Romans 5:19; 8:20–21). So, is there any hope? There is no hope for Satan and the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4). However, there is hope for mankind and that hope comes to us in the incarnation, the God-man, Jesus Christ. In direct opposition to the spirit of pride, Jesus came to earth in humble circumstances and humility of spirit (Luke 2:11–12). Although being God Himself, He took on the form of a servant and sacrificed His very life in order to reconcile us to God (Philippians 2:5–11; Romans 5:10). For those who believe in Him, Jesus Christ has reversed the effects of mankind’s fall and given them eternal life (John 3:15). As mediator between God and man, He has brought peace where there was separation, love where there was hatred, approval where there was shame, forgiveness where there was guilt, and life where there was death (1 Timothy 2:5–6; Ephesians 2:13; Romans 8:1, 38–39; John 10:10). Through the perfect obedience of Christ we are counted as righteous before God (Romans 3:21–26; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21); through the humiliation and sacrifice of Christ our sin is atoned for (Ephesians 5:2); through His resurrection we are granted eternal life (Romans 6:5) and exalted to sit in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Our pride resulted in our disgrace and death. Christ’s humility and obedience results in our honor and exaltation. However, conversion alone is not a guarantee against the temptation to pride. Even the apostle Paul was given a mysterious thorn in his side to keep him from becoming proud (2 Corinthians 12:7). God had to teach Paul, as He teaches us, that we are both saved by God’s grace and are being sanctified by God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 2:13). We must be reliant and dependent on God for our strength if we are to make any progress at all in the Christian life (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). As we grow in knowledge and good deeds, we will be tempted to glory in ourselves. This continues to be the trap Satan sets for us. Therefore, we must be constantly alert and on guard against the temptation to pride, self-reliance, and self-righteousness (1 Peter 5:8; Romans 12:16). It is not by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we are able to imitate Christ’s humility and thereby love and serve God, our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and even our enemies (Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 5:44; 22:37–39; Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Whereas pride is focused inward on loving and serving oneself, Spirit-filled love is directed outward toward loving and serving God and others.

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The Complexity Unveiled

1. Pride as an Obstacle

2. Pride as a Source of Motivation

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The Benefits Unveiled

1. Self-Reflection and Growth

2. Building Stronger Relationships

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The Profound Value

1. A Holistic Understanding of Ourselves

2. Walking the Path of Spiritual Enlightenment

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Different Forms of Pride in the Bible

Here are 6 forms of pride that we need to recognize. The first three forms of pride are obvious. The second three are less conspicuous.

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6b ESV)

Biblical Definitions of Sinful Pride

• A Desire to Be God (Isaiah 14:13-14)
• Moral Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:11)
• Confidence in One’s Accomplishments (Daniel 4:28-37)
• Ambition for Prominence (Mark 10:35-45)
• Lack of Teachability (Hebrews 13:17)

Pride is a grievous sin. It can be egregious yet inconspicuous. Because it is so deceptive, we are often oblivious to our pride. Awareness of pride is essential since it hinders our relationship with God.

There are 6 forms of pride taught in Scripture that we must recognize. Because we expect pride when we succeed, the first three forms are more obvious. Since we don’t expect pride when we fail, the second three forms are less conspicuous.

1. Self-exaltation: Pride gives credit to himself.

When a person succeeds and gives himself credit, he is prideful. This is the athlete who yells, “I am the greatest.” This is the scientist who proclaims, “I am the smartest.” This is the politician who brags, “I am the sole reason for our success.”

God reminds us that every good thing comes from him.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:16–17)

Our human tendency is to credit ourselves when we succeed. We attribute our physical beauty to our healthy diet and consistent exercise. We believe our work ethic created our financial success. We applaud our kindness for our many friendships. Jesus warns that God will humble those that exalt themselves.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

Everything good comes from God. We contribute nothing. God accomplished everything, including everything that pertains to our salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Never exalt yourself. Self–exaltation is the first form of pride.

2. Self-promotion: Pride welcomes credit from others.

Instead of exulting himself, some let others exalt him. But accepting credit from others is another form of pride. When we put forth our virtue and success so that others complement us, we are being prideful. Jesus chided those who paraded their righteous behavior to promote attention.

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (Matthew 6:1–2)

15 years ago, I taught over 100 children in a vacation Bible school. On the fourth day, I shared a poignant story that illustrated the gospel. I invited the children to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Nearly all the children responded by raising their hands. That day, our teachers led many dozens of children in prayer to receive Christ.

Afterward, about 30 adults told me my gospel presentation was amazing. I never once exalted myself, but my soul welcomed other’s praise. That day, I was consumed with sinful pride.

Never promote yourself. Self–promotion is the second form of pride.

3. Self-justification: Pride expects credit from God Himself.

We should resist seeking applause from other people. Likewise, we should avoid seeking God’s admiration. Expecting credit from God is another form of pride.

You may be troubled by this statement, so let’s review the logic. There is nothing honorable or virtuous within ourselves. We are utterly sinful, and God’s wrath abides on us.

Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross is the only reason we avoid God’s anger, punishment, and judgment. He bore our guilt, and he credits us his righteousness when we place our trust in him. Consequently, our fellowship with God is restored because of Christ’s imputed righteousness.

God promises us heavenly reward, but our right standing and our capacity to obey is solely through Christ’s work of salvation and his enablement through the Holy Spirit.

Applying this logic, we conclude that a jihadist exhibits tremendous pride. The jihadist believes that when he fights in a holy war for the right principles, even unto death, he will be justified and rewarded by his god. The thought that you can earn God’s approval by your actions is a deadly form of pride.

Through Scripture, we know that God does not seek this type of worshipper. God is looking for a person who recognizes that he is spiritually destitute. He has nothing to offer. He comes to God as a beggar pleading for grace he does not deserve.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

We have peace with God because he freely gave us that position through Christ. If we believe our right standing with him comes from ourselves, our self–justification becomes self–righteousness.

Jesus illustrates this truth when describing a Pharisee who expected commendation from men and God himself.

Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 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. (Luke 18:10–14)

Never justify yourself. Self-justification is the third form of pride.

4. Self-degradation: Pride tears himself down.

The next three forms of pride are subtle since they are disclosed in failure. Many don’t expect to find pride in their hearts when they are failing. In fact, people often view failure as an opportunity for humility. A common phrase when you lose is “eating humble pie.”

When you tear yourself down, you are being prideful. You are prideful because you are self-absorbed. You are focusing on yourself. You are pre-occupied with yourself.

Pride is ultimately self-preoccupation. A prideful person thinks about himself. He is ambivalent to others, and he forgets Christ. So instead of rejoicing in the success of others and trusting in God’s sovereignty, a prideful person concerns only himself.

A suicidal person is prideful. He has other thoughts (helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness) and painful emotions, but he is also prideful. His worldview revolves around himself and loses concern for his loved ones. He does not “seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.” A humble man forgets about himself and focuses on God and others, while a prideful person is pre–occupied with himself.

The great secret to humility is not to focus on yourself at all, but to fill your mind and heart with the glory of God revealed in the sin-conquering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Never degrade yourself. Self-degradation is a fourth form of pride.

5. Self-demotion: Pride compares himself to others.

A prideful person can degrade himself privately, or he may demote himself publicly. This is a fifth form of pride. Self-demotion is announcing that you have performed worse than others. You convince others that you are less or you have less. You argue in public that compared to others, you are inferior. You create a “pity party” for yourself.

The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego and the desire of the self-pitying is not really for others to see them as helpless, but as heroes. The need self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness, but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride.^[2]

Self-demotion is another form of self–promotion. When you castigate yourself in front of other people, you are fishing for affirmation. You want others to reaffirm, “No, you are not a loser; you are a winner.” Placing yourself as inferior to others is another form of pride.

You might even change your comparison to make yourself feel superior. By looking for someone else with whom to compare yourself, you can puff yourself up. The line of reasoning goes like this: even though I’m worse than you, I’m still better than him.

Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man… It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition is gone, pride is gone.

The practice of comparison and competition welcomes the temptation of pride. Guard against comparing yourself with others to make yourself look good. Don’t seek attention and affirmation from others by making yourself look inferior.

Never demote yourself. Self-demotion is a fifth form of pride.

6. Self-condemnation: Pride judges himself.

The sixth form of pride is private, manifesting itself in times of personal failure. It does not seek the affirmation, approval, and admiration of others. Instead, this form of pride occurs when a person condemns himself because he does not meet his own standard.

Sometimes we mislabel self-condemnation as depression. We think a person who hopelessly condemns himself is depressed, so we attempt to cheer him up. When we are unsuccessful in changing his mindset, we conclude his depression runs deep. But the man who condemns himself is not primarily dealing with depression. His root problem is pride.

The self–condemned person places his perspective, standard, and assessment above everyone else. He resists God’s grace because he denies God is the true source of salvation, blessing, and truth. He refuses the help of others. Compared to his companions and God, he thinks he knows better.

The self–condemned person makes himself judge. He seizes the rightful authority away from God and gives it to himself.

The humble man relinquishes all desire to pass judgment on himself. He understands that he stands condemned in God’s presence; God has the authority and power to condemn us. So instead of judgment, the humble man begs for mercy.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:3–6)

Never condemn yourself. Self–condemnation is the sixth form of pride.

What Scripture says about proud?

1. James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 

God’s grace will be extended to those who are humble before him; cf. Proverbs 3:34 (cf. also James 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:5). “God opposes” means he resists and sends judgment, for the proud have chosen the praise and the methods of the world and are acting as God’s enemies (James 4:4).

2. Psalm 75:4

I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 

“Lift up your horn.” The horn is a symbol of power (cf. 1 Kings 22:11; Zech. 1:18–21), and thus to lift it up (or “exalt” it) is to make a public assertion of power. God warns the ungodly not to lift up their horn, and promises that he will lift up the horn of the faithful. The term “lift up” recurs throughout the psalm (Ps. 75:4–6, 10). To “cut off” the horns (Ps. 75:10) is to render powerless and to humiliate.

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3. Jeremiah 9:23–24

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.

The truly wise man (Jer. 4:22; Jer. 8:8–9; Jer. 9:12–14) learns what God teaches; he knows why Judah will fall and is grieved and humbled by that knowledge; thus he will not boast in his wisdom. Knowing God means knowing his steadfast love (covenant faithfulness), justice (right judgment), and righteousness (right behavior, esp. In keeping his promises). See Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 103:8; Joel 2:12–14; Jonah 3:9-4:2. Paul applied the admonition “let him who boasts boast in the Lord,” based on this text, to the Corinthian Christians (1 Cor. 1:31; 2 Cor. 10:17).

4. 1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 

In warning against “all that is in the world”, John does not demonize the whole created order (cf. Gen. 1:31). Rather, he gives examples (“desires of the flesh”, etc.) of what the believer should guard against. Human desires are part of God’s creation and therefore not inherently evil, but they become twisted when not directed by and toward God.

5. 2 Corinthians 10:12

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measures themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 

Paul is speaking ironically: though his opponents say he is “bold” and “strong” in his letters (2 Cor. 10:1-2, 10), Paul does not dare to join them in their kind of self-recommendation; they are without understanding because their criterion for boasting (one another) is wrong. The opponents recommend each other by comparing their abilities, spiritual gifts, and experiences, all of which are irrelevant for establishing apostolic authority in a church.

6. Deuteronomy 8:2–3

And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 

“Remember” is a key word in this chapter (also Deut.8:18), along with its antonym “forget”: Deuteronomy 8:11, 14, 19. Remembrance is demonstrated in obedience. The wilderness test was to reveal the state of Israel’s heart. This does not imply that God did not know but rather that he desired for Israel’s heart to produce evidence of obedience. Manna literally means “What is it?” (Ex. 16:15); it was not to their liking (Num. 11:6; Num. 21:5). The testing was also to teach Israel that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Real life derived directly from God and trusting his word (“word” could also be translated “thing spoken of”). This was the learning that Israel needed in its heart (Deut. 8:2) if it was to pass the test in the land (Deut. 8:17). This is the first of three verses from Deuteronomy quoted by Jesus in his temptation, affirming his confidence and determined faithfulness toward God (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4; see also Deut. 6:13, 16).

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7. Mark 7:20–23

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” 

“What comes out of a person” repeats Jesus’ earlier teaching (Mark 7:15). Here he mentions specific sinful thoughts and actions, and characteristics of a defiled heart, summarizing his teaching in Mark 7:23: “all these evil things come from within.”

8. Romans 11:18–20

Do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 

Gentile believers are warned against arrogance, for it is God’s saving promises (the root), not their own goodness, that saved them. Thus Gentiles might be tempted with pride because God removed the Jewish branches from the olive tree and grafted them in instead. But this should provoke fear and awe (Gk. phobeō, “to be afraid, have profound respect and reverence, have fear of offending”), for the Jews were removed because they failed to believe and the Gentiles remain only because of their continued trust.

9. Proverbs 18:10–12

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor. 

Proverbs 18:10–11 describe two types of security (the LORD and riches), while Prov. 18:9 and Prov. 18:12 describe two things that bring about one’s destruction (laziness and pride). Taken together, these proverbs imply that riches can give a false sense of security that leads to laziness, pride, and a downfall, but that humility and the fear of God exalt people.

10. Proverbs 15:25–33

The LORD tears down the house of the proud
but maintains the widow’s boundaries.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD
but gracious words are pure.
Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household,
but he who hates bribes will live.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
The LORD is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. 

These proverbs are framed by a contrast: the LORD opposes the proud (Prov. 15:25), but is near those who act in humility born out of the fear of the LORD (Prov. 15:33; cf. Prov. 15:25). Proverbs 15:24-32 expand on this by illustrating the pride of the wicked as represented in their: thoughts (Prov. 15:26), greed for unjust gain (Prov. 15:27), harmful speech (Prov. 15:28), and refusal to listen to reproof (Prov. 15:32). These are the opposite of the way of the righteous represented in: gracious words (Prov. 15:26, Prov. 15:28), maintaining justice (Prov. 15:27), and heeding instruction (Prov. 15: 31, Prov. 15:32). At the center of this section is the further reminder that the Lord is far from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous (Prov. 15:29).