Pride and boasting are themes that appear frequently throughout the Bible, often portrayed as significant spiritual pitfalls. Scripture provides a wealth of wisdom on these subjects, offering both stern warnings against the dangers of pride and encouragement to embrace humility. From the Old Testament to the New, we find a consistent message: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Bible Verses About Pride And Boasting
These biblical teachings on pride and boasting are not merely ancient prohibitions, but timeless principles that resonate in our modern world, challenging us to examine our hearts and align our attitudes with God’s perspective. As we explore various Bible verses about pride and boasting, we’ll uncover the profound spiritual insights they offer and learn how to apply these teachings to our daily lives.
The Dangers of Pride in Scripture
The Bible consistently warns against the perils of pride and boasting. Throughout scripture, we find numerous bible verses about pride and boasting that highlight how these attitudes can lead to spiritual and moral downfall. Pride is often described as the root of many sins, blinding individuals to their faults and separating them from God’s grace. These verses remind us that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. By emphasizing the dangers of pride, the Bible encourages believers to cultivate humility and recognize their dependence on God, fostering a healthier spiritual life and relationships with others.
1. Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
2. Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
3. Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
4. Isaiah 2:11
“The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”
5. Obadiah 1:3
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?'”
6. 1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
7. James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
8. Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
9. Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
10. Proverbs 21:4
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.”
Humility as a Virtue in the Bible
In contrast to pride, the Bible exalts humility as a core virtue for believers. Many bible verses about pride and boasting are juxtaposed with teachings on the importance of humility. Scripture portrays humility as a quality that draws us closer to God and allows us to serve others effectively. These verses teach that God gives grace to the humble while opposing the proud. By emphasizing humility, the Bible encourages believers to acknowledge their limitations, rely on God’s strength, and treat others with respect and compassion. This virtue is often exemplified in biblical characters who submit to God’s will and find favor in His eyes.
11. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
12. 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.'”
13. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
14. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
15. James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
16. Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
17. Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
18. Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
19. Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
20. Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
God’s Perspective on Human Boasting
The Bible offers clear insights into God’s view of human boasting. Numerous bible verses about pride and boasting reveal that God disapproves of self-glorification and instead values those who boast in Him alone. These scriptures remind us that all our abilities and achievements ultimately come from God, leaving no room for personal pride. The Bible teaches that true wisdom and strength lie in recognizing our dependence on God rather than in our accomplishments. By presenting God’s perspective on boasting, these verses encourage believers to redirect their pride towards gratitude and praise for God’s work in their lives.
21. Jeremiah 9:23-24
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”
22. 1 Corinthians 1:31
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'”
23. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
“But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
24. Galatians 6:14
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
25. Psalm 44:8
“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
26. 1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
27. James 4:16
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
28. Psalm 34:2
“I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
29. 2 Corinthians 11:30
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.”
30. Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your mouth; an outsider, and not your lips.”
The Fall of the Proud in Biblical Stories
Throughout the Bible, we encounter stories that illustrate the consequences of pride and boasting. These narratives serve as powerful examples of how pride can lead to downfall. Many bible verses about pride and boasting are found within or surrounding these cautionary tales. From the tower of Babel to King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling, these stories demonstrate how God opposes the proud and brings low those who exalt themselves. These biblical accounts serve as warnings to believers, encouraging them to guard against pride in their own lives and to remain humble before God and others.
31. Daniel 4:30-31
“He said, ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’ Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, ‘This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.'”
32. 2 Chronicles 26:16
“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.”
33. Isaiah 14:12-15
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
34. Acts 12:21-23
“On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”
35. Ezekiel 28:17
“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”
36. Genesis 11:4,8
“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’ … So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.”
37. 1 Samuel 15:17-19
“Samuel said, ‘Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?'”
38. Daniel 5:20
“But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.”
39. 2 Chronicles 32:25
“But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.”
40. Exodus 5:2
“Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.'”
Cultivating Humility in Christian Life
The Bible provides practical guidance on how to cultivate humility in daily life. Alongside bible verses about pride and boasting, we find instructions on developing a humble heart. These scriptures encourage believers to consider others better than themselves, to serve without seeking recognition, and to acknowledge their faults. The Bible teaches that true humility comes from a proper understanding of our position before God and our relationship with others. By following these biblical principles, Christians can grow in humility, strengthen their faith, and build more meaningful relationships with both God and their fellow humans.
41. Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, under the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
42. Philippians 2:5-8
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
43. 1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
44. Proverbs 3:34
“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”
45. Matthew 18:4
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
46. Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
47. James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
48. Proverbs 18:12
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
49. Titus 3:2
“to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
50. Luke 18:14
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Overcoming Pride Through Faith
Finally, the Bible offers hope and guidance for those struggling with pride. While bible verses about pride and boasting warn against its dangers, scripture also provides a path to overcoming this sin through faith in God. These verses remind us that recognizing our need for God’s grace is the first step in conquering pride. The Bible encourages believers to rely on God’s strength rather than their own, to seek His wisdom, and to find their identity in Christ rather than in personal achievements. By focusing on God’s greatness and our dependence on Him, we can begin to shed prideful attitudes and embrace the freedom and joy that come with true humility.
51. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
52. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
53. Romans 3:27-28
“Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
54. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29
“God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
55. Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
56. Psalm 115:1
“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name is the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
57. 1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
58. Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
59. Isaiah 66:2
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
60. 1 Peter 1:24-25
“For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.”
61. Psalm 147:10-11
“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
These verses emphasize the importance of faith in overcoming pride, highlighting how true strength and worth come from God rather than our abilities or accomplishments. They encourage believers to find their identity and confidence in Christ, rather than in themselves, as a means of combating pride and cultivating humility.
Conclusion
The Bible’s teachings on pride and boasting offer a profound counterpoint to many of society’s values. While our culture often celebrates self-promotion and personal achievement, Scripture consistently warns against the spiritual dangers of pride and encourages the cultivation of humility. These biblical verses remind us that true greatness in God’s eyes is not measured by our accomplishments or status but by our willingness to humble ourselves before Him and serve others.
They challenge us to find our identity and worth not in our strengths, but in God’s love and grace. As we internalize these teachings, we open ourselves to a transformative spiritual journey – one that leads us away from the destructive path of pride and towards the freedom and joy found in humility. Ultimately, these Bible verses about pride and boasting invite us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God and others, grounded in the liberating truth that our value comes not from what we do, but from who we are.
