Pride

Pride is an exalted view of oneself that refuses to acknowledge dependence on God or to give Him the glory that is due to Him. Scripture consistently identifies pride as an attitude that God opposes.

Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." God actively resists those who are proud, as James 4:6 declares: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Proverbs 8:13 states that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, including pride and arrogance. Isaiah 14:12-15 illustrates the consequences of pride through the fall of Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself above God. Throughout Scripture, pride is shown to be the root of rebellion against God and the foundation of many other sins.

Pride can take many forms — self-reliance, refusal to accept correction, or seeking recognition above others. Scripture calls believers to clothe themselves with humility, recognizing that every good gift comes from God. Walking in humility protects the heart from destruction and positions a person to receive the grace that God gives to the humble.