Bible Study on Pride

1. The Danger of Pride

The Bible warns against pride because it leads to arrogance, self-sufficiency, and rebellion against God.

• Proverbs 16:18 – "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

  • Pride makes people overconfident, leading to downfall.

• James 4:6 – "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

  • Pride puts us at odds with God, while humility attracts His grace.

• Proverbs 8:13 – "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

  • God detests pride because it leads to sin and rebellion.

• Daniel 4:28-37 (Story of King Nebuchadnezzar)

  • Nebuchadnezzar took pride in his achievements, and God humbled him by making him live like an animal until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.

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2. Examples of Pride in the Bible

• Lucifer’s Fall (Isaiah 14:12-15)

  • Satan was cast out of heaven due to his pride and desire to be like God.

• Pharaoh’s Pride (Exodus 5:2; 14:5-31)

  • Pharaoh’s refusal to humble himself before God led to the plagues and the destruction of his army.

• The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)

  • The people sought to make a name for themselves, and God confused their language to humble them.

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3. The Call to Humility

While pride is condemned, humility is praised and rewarded in the Bible.

• Philippians 2:3-4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

  • True humility seeks to serve others rather than elevate oneself.

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• 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."

  • God desires humility as a key characteristic of a faithful life.

• 1 Peter 5:6 – "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

  • Those who humble themselves before God will be exalted in His time.

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4. How to Overcome Pride

1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty – Recognize that all blessings come from Him (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

2. Cultivate a Thankful Heart – Gratitude keeps us from boasting (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

3. Serve Others – Jesus demonstrated humility by serving (John 13:12-17).

4. Repent and Seek God’s Help – Confess pride and ask God for a humble heart (Psalm 51:17).

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Conclusion

Pride is a sin that leads to destruction, while humility brings God’s grace and favor. The key to overcoming pride is recognizing God’s sovereignty, being grateful, serving others, and continually seeking humility.

Would you like to focus on any particular aspect of pride, such as personal struggles or group discussion questions?

Prayer for Humility

Heavenly Father,
I come before You, acknowledging that all I have and all I am is because of Your grace. Forgive me for the times I have let pride take root in my heart. Help me to walk in humility, always remembering that You alone deserve the glory. Teach me to serve others with a humble heart and to seek Your will above my own. Soften my heart, Lord, and remove any arrogance or selfishness within me. May I reflect the humility of Christ in all I do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.