Pride

The sin beneath every sin.

First Mention in Scripture

Original Word: גָּבַהּ (gāvah)

Reference: Proverbs 16:18

Meaning: To be high, exalted, haughty.

Used in the well-known warning: 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.' Pride leads to ruin because it rejects dependence on God.

Pride is not just arrogance — it is the inward posture of placing self above God and others.

It is the first sin in the universe, when Satan sought to exalt himself (Isaiah 14:13–14), and it was at the root of humanity’s fall in Eden.

Pride seeks independence from God, craves recognition, resists correction, and refuses to bow.

But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Through the cross, we are called to lay down pride and walk in the humility of Christ.

Pride: The Original Sin

Pride led to Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:13–15) and to humanity’s fall in the garden, when Adam and Eve sought to “be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

It is the foundation of all sin — rejecting God’s authority and making self the center.

God Opposes the Proud

Scripture is clear: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

Pride blinds us to our need for grace, resists repentance, and invites God’s discipline (Proverbs 16:5).

Pride Masquerades as Goodness

Religious pride is especially dangerous. The Pharisees believed they were righteous, but Jesus exposed their self-glorification (Luke 18:11–14).

Even moral effort can become a source of pride if it fuels self-righteousness instead of dependence on Christ (Isaiah 64:6).

The Humility of Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility: though fully God, He humbled Himself to serve, suffer, and die (Philippians 2:5–8).

To follow Him is to take the lowest place, to empty ourselves, and to consider others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Putting Pride to Death

The gospel calls us to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23), boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14), and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

True greatness is found in humility, and true joy is found in surrender. God is glorified when we stop trying to be.

Scripture References

Pride is the root of rebellion — it seeks to replace God with self. But in Christ, we see the beauty of humility and the power of surrender. God calls us to turn from pride, receive His grace, and walk in the humble footsteps of our Savior.

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