The Sin of Pride

There are many scriptures throughout the Bible that talks about pride. New and Old Testaments speak of pride as a sinful act, or thought. In the early churches, pride was considered one of the 7 Deadly Sins. The Bible has no exclusive list , actually listing the 7 Deadly Sins, but those sins can certainly be found in scripture. And one of those sins is ’self-righteous sin.’

First, lets look at the differences of the types of pride. The word ‘Pride’ comes from the word ‘proud.

1. To think highly of oneself in a superior way, proud or disdainful treatment or behavior of others, conceit. An excessive appreciation of ones own worth.

2. To take pride,  in ones skill, or job, proud of an accomplishment or goal. Self esteem that is not exaggerated. Self respect, taking pleasure or satisfaction in a job well done.

Now, even though we can understand that pride #1. is not pleasing to God, the definition of pride #2. could be a healthy thing for us. We can take pride in a job, no matter if we have a job sitting in an office or being a janitor. We can take satisfaction in putting our hard work into what we do. But we must also take care that our satisfaction in a job well done, doesn’t turn into definition #1.

When God says that pride is a sin, perhaps he was considering the dangers of pride in so many different areas of our lives, that we are warned to keep from it.

An example may be a husband and wife; The couple has financial troubles and the wife is wanting to take a part time job to help the family. The husband, because of his pride refuses to let her work no matter what, although knowing it may help the family, but his ‘pride’ is more important to him. Well, common sense tells you that at the sake of feeding your children or losing your home, you would allow your own pride to get in the way? That doesn’t seem to make sense. Even husbands need a helping hand sometimes and the husband and wife should work together for the sake of the family. We know that scriptures point to a man working outside the home and providing for the family, and the wife tends to home and children. They are both working but just in different jobs to maintain the welfare of the family. But if the wife was ill and couldn’t tend to the children, should the husband abstain from helping just because it’s so called ‘woman’s work?’ Not sure that behavior would be pleasing to God. I believe in that circumstance God would expect a married couple to show love and help each other.

Other samples of pride;.

If two people have and argument, no one wants to apologize first….that’s pride.

If you go to church and several people are battling for the microphone to tell their story, …..that’s pride.

If people are putting others down, because they feel they are not as smart, successful, or have material wealth,…that’s pride.

If a church member was asked to help in the church and they felt the job was beneath them, …..that’s pride.

Sometimes pride sounds more like self-centerdness really. As a Christian selfish pride has no place in our lives. Everything we as Christians are taught from the scriptures is to be loving, selfless, putting others needs before our own. Pride that God deems sin, is a sin, it’s not any different than lying, stealing  or adultery, it’s all a sin in God’s eyes.

Mark 7:20-23  And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.  (21)  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,  (22)  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  (23)  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

In Mark pride is listed up there with murder, stealing, things that God certainly deems as sin. We are also told those who do these things, will not inherit the kingdom. But how many Christians pay attention to their own thoughts or actions of pride? There is nothing beneficial in anyway to another person when someone is displaying self-righteous pride. And it can also be harmful in more ways than one for the person who does it. It’s not often very talked about or recognized as a serious grievance to God and it should be discussed more in churches. Letting go of pride is letting go of your own self and considering someones feelings or needs before yourself.

Proverbs 29:23  A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Take time to listen when the Holy Spirit prompts you to leave pride behind and serve as Jesus served.

1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.