Jesus’ teachings on pride offer both a clear warning and a beautiful invitation. Pride, as Jesus describes it, is not just arrogance—it’s a condition of the heart that blinds us to our need for God and distances us from others. Through stories like the Pharisee and the tax collector, and teachings like “those who exalt themselves will be humbled,” Jesus shows that humility, not self-importance, is what leads to honor in God’s eyes. Pride deceives, divides, and ultimately leads to a fall, while humility opens the door to grace, growth, and deep connection with God.
Jesus didn’t just preach humility—He lived it. From serving others to laying down His life, His example invites us to shift our mindset away from self-exaltation and toward a posture of servant-heartedness. By acknowledging our need for God, practicing gratitude, and putting others first, we begin to reflect the humility Jesus modeled. This isn’t weakness—it’s powerful, life-giving strength. Keep reading for a deeper dive into Jesus’ wisdom on pride and how you can cultivate a life marked by true humility.
Pride is one of those things we all struggle with at some point. It’s sneaky, often disguising itself as confidence or self-assurance. But when does healthy self-esteem cross the line into destructive pride? Jesus had a lot to say about this. Let’s dive into what He taught about pride, why it’s dangerous, and how we can avoid falling into its trap.
Understanding Pride According to Jesus
Pride, in its negative sense, is an inflated sense of one’s own importance, abilities, or accomplishments. It’s the opposite of humility. Jesus consistently warned against pride, emphasizing humility as a virtue to be cultivated.
Key Bible Verses on Pride
One of the most direct teachings of Jesus about pride is found in the Gospel of Luke:
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11, NIV)
In this verse, Jesus makes it clear that pride leads to downfall, while humility leads to honor. It’s a straightforward warning that pride has consequences.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus used parables to illustrate deep spiritual truths. One of His most pointed stories about pride is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14).
In this parable, Jesus describes two men praying in the temple. The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness, thanking God that he’s not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even the tax collector standing nearby. In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, not even looking up to heaven, and humbly asks God for mercy, acknowledging his sins.
Jesus concludes the parable with a powerful lesson:
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14, NIV)
This story highlights how God values humility over self-righteousness. The Pharisee’s pride blinds him to his own faults, while the tax collector’s humility opens the door to God’s grace.
The Dangers of Pride
Why is pride so dangerous? Jesus’ teachings provide clear insights:
It Leads to Self-Deception
Pride can blind us to our own faults. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable is a prime example. He’s so focused on his perceived righteousness that he fails to see his need for God’s mercy.
It Creates Division
Pride can lead to conflict and division. In Mark 9:33-37, the disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by teaching them about true greatness, saying:
“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35, NIV)
Here, Jesus turns the idea of greatness on its head. True greatness, according to Jesus, comes from humility and serving others, not from exalting oneself.
It Hinders Our Relationship with God
Pride can create a barrier between us and God. When we’re proud, we rely on our own strength and wisdom instead of seeking God’s guidance. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV) says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This ancient wisdom aligns perfectly with Jesus’ teachings.
Embracing Humility
If pride is so dangerous, how do we cultivate humility instead? Jesus not only taught about humility but also demonstrated it through His life.
Following Jesus’ Example
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. Despite being the Son of God, He chose to live a humble life. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) beautifully captures this:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
Jesus’ humility is seen in His willingness to serve others, His obedience to God, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. If we aim to follow Jesus, we’re called to adopt this same mindset.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Humility
Here are a few practical ways to cultivate humility in your life:
- Acknowledge Your Need for God: Regularly remind yourself of your dependence on God. Prayer and reading Scripture can help keep this perspective.
- Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve those around you. This could be through volunteer work, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need.
- Practice Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your focus from what you’ve achieved to what you’ve received. Take time each day to thank God for His blessings.
- Seek Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism. It’s a great way to stay grounded and aware of areas where you can grow.
- Celebrate Others: Instead of seeking praise for yourself, celebrate the achievements and strengths of others. This can help shift your focus from self-centeredness to other-centeredness.
Humility in Daily Life
Living out humility is a daily choice. It’s about recognizing that our worth comes from God, not our achievements. James 4:10 (NIV) encourages us, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Conclusion
Pride is a subtle yet destructive force that can lead to self-deception, division, and a strained relationship with God. Jesus’ teachings on pride are clear: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. By following Jesus’ example and embracing humility, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and live in a way that honors God and serves others.
So, take a moment to reflect on your own life. Where might pride be lurking? How can you practice humility today? Remember, true greatness comes not from lifting ourselves up, but from lifting others up and acknowledging our need for God.
FAQs What Jesus Say About Pride
1. What is pride according to Jesus?
Pride, as taught by Jesus, is an inflated sense of one’s own importance, abilities, or accomplishments. It’s the opposite of humility and often leads to self-deception, division, and a hindered relationship with God.
2. Why is pride considered dangerous in Jesus’ teachings?
Pride is dangerous because it blinds us to our own faults, creates division, and hinders our relationship with God. It leads to self-reliance rather than dependence on God, which ultimately results in downfall.
3. Can you provide an example of a teaching or parable of Jesus that addresses pride?
One notable example is the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). In this parable, Jesus contrasts the prideful Pharisee who boasts about his righteousness with the humble tax collector who acknowledges his sins and asks for God’s mercy. Jesus concludes that the humble man is justified before God.
4. What does Jesus say about humility?
Jesus consistently emphasizes the importance of humility. He taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and He demonstrated humility through His actions, such as washing His disciples’ feet and sacrificing His life on the cross.
5. How can I cultivate humility in my life?
You can cultivate humility by acknowledging your need for God, serving others, practicing gratitude, seeking feedback, and celebrating others’ achievements. These practices help shift the focus from yourself to God and those around you.
6. What Bible verses can help me understand Jesus’ perspective on pride and humility?
Key Bible verses include:
- Luke 14:11: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
- Luke 18:14: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
- Philippians 2:5-8: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God… humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”
- James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
7. What is the difference between healthy self-esteem and pride?
Healthy self-esteem is having a balanced and accurate view of oneself, recognizing one’s worth and abilities without exaggerating them. Pride, on the other hand, is an inflated sense of self-importance and superiority over others. It’s about placing oneself above others and even above God.
8. Why does Jesus value humility so much?
Jesus values humility because it reflects a true understanding of our relationship with God. Humility acknowledges our dependence on God and opens us to His grace and guidance. It fosters genuine relationships and a spirit of service, aligning us with God’s will.
9. How can I avoid falling into the trap of pride?
To avoid pride, regularly examine your motives and actions, seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture, serve others selflessly, and remain open to feedback and correction. Practicing gratitude and celebrating others’ successes can also help keep pride in check.
10. What is the ultimate consequence of pride according to Jesus?
The ultimate consequence of pride, according to Jesus, is being humbled. Those who exalt themselves will be brought low, while those who humble themselves will be lifted up. Pride leads to a fall, while humility opens the door to God’s grace and exaltation.
