Pride and Humility in Scripture

Pride is one of the most dangerous of sins, for it deceives the one who carries it into believing that he is not afflicted by it. The book of Proverbs solemnly warns: "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Pride sets the self in the place of God and rejects all dependence and all grace; it is the root of many spiritual downfalls, from that of the adversary to that of kings puffed up with their own glory. Scripture is clear about God's response to this attitude: "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). Pride thus closes the door to grace, while humility throws it wide open. Yet the Bible also speaks of a legitimate and healthy pride: the joy of a work well done, gratitude for children in the faith, or satisfaction in seeing the work of God prosper. The decisive distinction lies in the direction of this pride: does it give glory to God, or steal it from Him? The remedy for sinful pride is deliberate and continual humility. James 4:10 exhorts: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." Practicing gratitude, serving others, and acknowledging one's total dependence on God are concrete steps toward overcoming pride. The first of these steps is to recognize pride as sin, for pride blinds: when we believe we need neither God nor anyone else, we are more vulnerable than ever. Grace always flows toward humble hearts that confess their need.