# What Does The Bible Say About Pride And Humility? - Canonical: https://www.iamreborn.net/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-pride-and-humility - Author: Daniel Ziedins (https://www.iamreborn.net/about-daniel-ziedins) - Published: 2026-10-21 - Reading time: 3 minutes ## Short answer The Bible warns that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) and that “pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is an inflated view of self that pushes God and others aside; it shows up in defensiveness, comparison, self-reliance and needing credit — and even in constant self-criticism. Humility is seeing yourself accurately before God and counting others more significant than yourself (Philippians 2:3–4), modelled by Jesus, who humbled Himself to the cross (Philippians 2:5–8). We grow in it by worship, the cross, quick confession, inviting correction and serving in secret. Pride is the one sin that's easiest to spot in other people and hardest to see in ourselves. It hides behind confidence, success, even religious devotion. And Scripture treats it as more dangerous than almost anything else — because it puts us, not God, at the centre. > But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” > > — James 4:6 That's a sobering line. God doesn't just withhold help from the proud; He _opposes_ them. And it's a hopeful one: to the humble, He gives grace — and then more grace. ## What pride really is Pride isn't feeling good about something you did well, or having confidence in your gifts. It's an inflated view of self that pushes God and others out of their rightful place. At its root, pride says: _I don't need God, I'm better than others, and my way is right._ It was the first temptation — “you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5) — and it's been our deepest temptation ever since. > Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. > > — Proverbs 16:18 ## How pride shows up - **Defensiveness:** you can't take correction without justifying yourself. - **Comparison:** you feel better when others fail, or worse when they succeed. - **Self-reliance:** prayer feels optional because you've got this. - **Needing credit:** serving is hard if no one notices. - **Not apologising:** “I'm sorry” sticks in your throat. - **Religious pride:** looking down on people who don't share your convictions or disciplines (Luke 18:9–14). There's also an upside-down pride: constant self-criticism. It looks humble, but it's still all about me — my failures, my image, my performance. Real humility is less preoccupied with self in either direction. ## What humility really is Humility isn't thinking you're worthless. It's seeing yourself accurately — a creature before your Creator, a sinner saved by grace, gifted but not the centre — and then turning your attention outward, to God and to others. > Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. > > — Philippians 2:3–4 ## Jesus is the picture of humility Paul goes straight on to say: have this mind, which is yours in Christ Jesus — who, though He was God, “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5–8). The most powerful being in the universe knelt to wash feet (John 13). Humility isn't weakness. It's strength surrendered to love. > Humility isn't strength denied. It's strength surrendered to love — and Jesus is the proof. ## How to grow in humility 1. **Look at God.** Nothing shrinks pride like seeing His greatness. Worship regularly (see [What Is Worship?](https://www.iamreborn.net/blog/what-is-worship)). 2. **Look at the cross.** It shows both how serious your sin is and how loved you are. Neither leaves room for pride. 3. **Confess quickly.** Own your faults to God and to people, without excuses ([What Is Repentance?](https://www.iamreborn.net/blog/what-is-repentance)). 4. **Invite correction.** Ask a trusted friend, “Where do you see pride in me?” — and thank them for the answer. 5. **Serve where no one sees.** Do something good this week and tell no one (Matthew 6:3–4). 6. **Celebrate others.** Praise someone's success, especially a rival's. 7. **Pray dependently.** Start each day admitting you need God for it. > Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. > > — 1 Peter 5:6 **Pride and humility, in short** - **God opposes the proud** and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). - **Pride** puts self at the centre; it shows up in defensiveness, comparison and self-reliance. - **Humility** is seeing yourself accurately and turning outward (Philippians 2:3–4). - **Jesus** is the picture of humility (Philippians 2:5–8). - **Grow** by looking at God and the cross, confessing, inviting correction and serving in secret. [Find which pillar needs you most](https://www.iamreborn.net/start) — Twelve honest, private questions — and a seven-day plan. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is pride a sin? Because it puts self in God's place — the original temptation was “you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Scripture says God opposes the proud (James 4:6) and that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). ### What is true humility? Seeing yourself accurately — a creature before your Creator and a sinner saved by grace — and turning your attention outward to God and to others' interests (Philippians 2:3–4). It isn't self-hatred. ### Is confidence the same as pride? No. Confidence in God-given gifts and in God's promises is healthy. Pride is when self takes the centre and God and others are pushed aside. ### How can I become more humble? Worship God regularly, reflect on the cross, confess faults quickly, invite honest correction, serve without being noticed (Matthew 6:3–4), celebrate others' success, and begin each day dependent on God in prayer. --- From the Reborn Journal at I AM REBORN — https://www.iamreborn.net/blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-pride-and-humility