Please Help Us Keep These Thousands of Blog Posts Growing and Free for All

$5.00

The Nature and Definition of Pride According to Scripture

Pride is a state of the heart and mind that exalts oneself above others and, ultimately, against Jehovah. The Bible frequently warns about the dangers of pride, portraying it as the forerunner to downfall and disgrace. Proverbs 11:2 succinctly states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” This warning emphasizes that pride is not merely an attitude but a destructive force that leads to dishonor.

The Hebrew word used for “pride” in various Old Testament passages often conveys a sense of arrogance, haughtiness, or self-exaltation. This kind of pride is a direct affront to the humility that Jehovah desires from His people. James 4:6 reinforces this idea: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The opposition of Jehovah to pride signifies its severity; it sets one against the divine will and invites divine judgment.

Envy and the Pride of Korah’s Rebellion

The account of Korah in Numbers 16 provides a sobering example of how envy and pride can lead to rebellion against divine authority. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and Jehovah is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of Jehovah?” (Numbers 16:3). This statement reveals Korah’s pride and presumption. He envied Moses and Aaron’s roles and sought to elevate himself without divine appointment.

Korah’s rebellion was not merely against Moses and Aaron but against Jehovah’s established order. Numbers 16:11 states, “Therefore it is against Jehovah that you and all your company have gathered together.” The outcome was swift and severe: “And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods” (Numbers 16:32). This judgment highlighted that pride driven by envy and presumption results in dire consequences.

The lesson from Korah’s rebellion is that pride distorts perception, making one believe they deserve what Jehovah has not granted. The apostle Jude referenced this event when warning against false teachers in Jude 1:11: “Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.” This passage serves as a timeless reminder that those who harbor pride and act presumptuously against divine order face severe judgment.

Ambition and the Pride of Absalom

The story of Absalom, the son of King David, provides another profound example of pride leading to downfall. Absalom was known for his striking appearance and charm, which fueled his ambition and pride. 2 Samuel 14:25 states, “Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.” This external beauty and charisma, however, masked an inner pride that sought power at any cost.

Absalom’s ambition drove him to conspire against his father, King David, in an attempt to seize the throne. 2 Samuel 15:6 reveals his strategy: “So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” He positioned himself as a man who could deliver justice better than David, feeding the people’s dissatisfaction and elevating his own image.

The consequence of Absalom’s pride was catastrophic. His rebellion led to a civil war, causing immense suffering and division within Israel. Ultimately, Absalom met his end when his hair, a symbol of his pride and glory, became his downfall as it caught in the branches of a tree (2 Samuel 18:9). Joab, David’s commander, struck him down, ending the rebellion and fulfilling the principle stated in Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

The account of Absalom teaches that pride, when fueled by ambition and self-exaltation, can lead to destructive actions that harm others and result in personal ruin. It serves as a warning that external gifts and abilities must be tempered with humility and submission to Jehovah’s will.

The Impatience and Pride of King Saul

King Saul’s reign is marked by instances where pride and impatience led him to act against Jehovah’s commands, ultimately resulting in his downfall. One notable incident is recorded in 1 Samuel 13. Saul, facing a potential attack from the Philistines and seeing his troops scatter, chose to offer a burnt offering himself rather than waiting for Samuel, as instructed. 1 Samuel 13:9 states, “So Saul said, ‘Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.’ And he offered the burnt offering.”

When Samuel arrived, he rebuked Saul: “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of Jehovah your God, with which he commanded you. For then Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue” (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Saul’s impatience was a manifestation of pride; he placed his judgment above Jehovah’s instructions and acted out of fear and self-reliance rather than faith.

Saul’s pride was also evident when he failed to fully obey Jehovah’s command to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions (1 Samuel 15). Instead, he spared King Agag and kept the best of the livestock under the pretext of making sacrifices to Jehovah. Samuel’s response was direct and convicting: “Has Jehovah as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). This disobedience, stemming from pride and self-interest, led to Jehovah’s rejection of Saul as king: “Because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has also rejected you from being king” (1 Samuel 15:23).

Saul’s story illustrates that pride can manifest through impatience and the elevation of one’s judgment above Jehovah’s commands. It warns believers to trust in Jehovah’s timing and instructions, even when circumstances appear pressing or uncertain.

The Remedy for Pride: Embracing Humility

The biblical antidote to pride is humility. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the value of humility and the blessings it brings. James 4:10 states, “Humble yourselves before Jehovah, and he will exalt you.” Humility is not self-deprecation but a recognition of one’s rightful place before Jehovah, acknowledging dependence on Him for guidance, strength, and wisdom.

Philippians 2:3-4 provides practical guidance: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This attitude reflects the example of Jesus Christ, who, though fully divine, “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus’ humility is the ultimate model for believers seeking to overcome pride.

Proverbs 22:4 states, “The reward for humility and fear of Jehovah is riches and honor and life.” This verse underscores that true honor comes not from self-exaltation but from a life marked by humility and reverence for Jehovah. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 25:9: “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.” Humility opens the door for divine guidance and blessings, whereas pride shuts it and invites downfall.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Humility and Avoid Pride

To avoid the pitfalls of pride as demonstrated in the lives of Korah, Absalom, and Saul, believers are encouraged to take proactive steps toward cultivating humility. Regular self-examination is essential, as Paul advises in 2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” This examination helps identify areas where pride may have taken root, allowing for repentance and correction.

Prayer is another critical component in cultivating humility. Psalm 139:23-24 expresses a prayerful request for introspection: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” By seeking Jehovah’s help in identifying prideful tendencies, believers can rely on His strength to overcome them.

Engaging in acts of service can also foster humility. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet in John 13:3-17 is a powerful example of servanthood. Jesus stated, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). Serving others shifts the focus from self to others and reinforces the humility that pleases Jehovah.

Submitting to godly authority and accepting correction is another way to guard against pride. Proverbs 12:1 states, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” Accepting correction with a teachable spirit demonstrates humility and a willingness to grow in wisdom and understanding.

You May Also Enjoy

Do You Have “The Mind of Christ”?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).