Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) says:
“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This verse highlights the danger of pride. It warns that when a person is filled with arrogance and self-exaltation, they are setting themselves up for downfall.
Make no mistake dear reader, “pride” is sin before God, no matter what the world may say! Sin, like a crushing weight, will press your life down and prevent you from becoming what God has ordained for your life and destiny
Some Characteristics of a Prideful Spirit:
- Self-Exaltation – Thinking of oneself as greater than others and even greater than God.
- Rebellion Against God – Ignoring God’s commandments and refusing to submit to His will.
- Boastfulness – Seeking personal glory and recognition instead of glorifying God (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
- Lack of Repentance – Pride prevents people from acknowledging their sins and repenting (Proverbs 21:4).
- Looking Down on Others – A prideful person despises and belittles others (Luke 18:9-14).
- They are not teachable, and hate to be corrected. They are individuals who are resistant to learning and accepting correction. They have an attitude of being unteachable and dislike being corrected. Despite evidence or established principles that may contradict their views, they continue to believe that their opinions and ideologies are always right.
Some Characteristics of a Prideful Spirit:
- Self-Exaltation – Thinking of oneself as greater than others and even greater than God.
- Rebellion Against God – Ignoring God’s commandments and refusing to submit to His will.
- Boastfulness – Seeking personal glory and recognition instead of glorifying God (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
- Lack of Repentance – Pride prevents people from acknowledging their sins and repenting (Proverbs 21:4).
- Looking Down on Others – A prideful person despises and belittles others (Luke 18:9-14).
- They are not teachable, and hate to be corrected. They are individuals who are resistant to learning and accepting correction. They have an attitude of being unteachable and dislike being corrected. Despite evidence or established principles that may contradict their views, they continue to believe that their opinions and ideologies are always right.
The First Sin Ever Recorded: The Pride of Lucifer
The very first sin recorded in the Bible was the sin of pride, committed by Lucifer, who later became known as Satan.
Isaiah 14:12-15 (NKJV) describes Lucifer’s fall:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! … For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”
Lucifer’s pride led him to desire God’s throne, and as a result, he was cast out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). This rebellion against God is what turned him into Satan, the enemy of God and mankind.
Why Does God Hate Pride So Much?
- Pride Competes with God’s Glory
- Isaiah 42:8 (NKJV) – “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another.”
- Pride seeks to steal the glory that belongs to God alone.
- Pride Leads to Rebellion
- Just like Lucifer, when a person is filled with pride, they begin to reject God’s authority and become rebellious (1 Samuel 15:23).
- This was also the sin of Adam and Eve—they believed they could be like God (Genesis 3:5).
- Pride Prevents Repentance and Salvation
- A prideful person refuses to admit they need God. This is why the Pharisees could not accept Jesus (Luke 18:9-14).
- James 4:6 (NKJV) – “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Pride Leads to Destruction
- Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) – “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
- History and scripture show that pride always leads to downfall—whether for Lucifer, King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-37), or anyone who exalts themselves above God.
- Pride Creates Division and Strife
- Proverbs 13:10 (NKJV) – “By pride comes nothing but strife.”
- Pride leads to arguments, broken relationships, and conflicts.
- Where there is pride in the hearts of husbands and wives in a marriage and in the way they speak and relate to each other, that union will not last, because pride invites the enemy (satan) into the home.
Defeating the Sin of Pride
Defeating the sin of pride from a biblical perspective involves humility, repentance, and dependence on God. Here are several steps along with relevant Bible passages below for your consideration and to be used in your quiet meditation:
- Acknowledge and Confess Pride: Recognise and admit to God and oneself that pride is a sin.
- 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- Seek Humility: Actively pursue humility in thoughts, actions, and relationships.
- Philippians 2:3: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
- 1 Peter 5:6: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
- Depend on God: Recognize that everything we have comes from God, and trust in His strength rather than our own.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
- Serve Others: Put others before oneself and serve them selflessly.
- Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
- Galatians 5:13: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
- Reflect on Christ’s Example: Jesus is the ultimate example of humility and selflessness.
- Philippians 2:5-8: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
- Pray for Help: Ask God for the grace to overcome pride and grow in humility.
- James 4:10: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
- Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
By diligently and prayerfully following these biblical principles and seeking God’s guidance, one can effectively combat the sin of pride and grow in humility and righteousness.
Conclusion: The Dangers of Pride
Pride is a dangerous sin because it blinds people to their need for God. It was the first sin in history and continues to be at the root of many other sins. That is why God calls us to humility.
Instead of pride, we should follow Jesus’ example of humility:
- Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV) – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
God wants us to recognise that all we have and all we are, comes from Him. When we walk in humility, we receive His grace, wisdom, and blessings.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy Spirit destroy pride in my heart, and give me the grace to pursue humility before God, in Jesus Name
