Last updated on November 2nd, 2025 at 11:52 am
Pride is one of those sneaky things that can creep into our hearts before we even realize it.
It can make us believe we are self-sufficient, better than others, or even distant from God.
But Scripture clearly teaches that God honors humility and warns against the dangers of pride.
If you’ve ever struggled with pride—or just want to stay close to God’s heart—these Bible verses will encourage you to walk in humility and surrender.
1. Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This famous verse reminds us that unchecked pride leads to downfall.
It’s a loving warning to stay humble and dependent on God.
✅ Reflect: Take time to ask God to reveal any prideful areas in your life before they cause unnecessary pain.
2. James 4:6 (NIV)
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
God actively resists pride but pours out grace on the humble.
Choosing humility opens the door to God’s blessing.
✅ Reflect: Imagine walking in daily favor because you chose to put God first instead of yourself!
3. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Pride blinds, but humility opens the door to true wisdom.
Real success starts with a humble heart.
✅ Reflect: Value wisdom over temporary applause—humility is the true path to greatness.
4. 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
Humility isn’t optional for believers—it’s something we should intentionally “wear.”
It shapes how we interact with everyone around us.
✅ Reflect: Think about relationships in your life—how can you “wear” humility more fully today?
5. Proverbs 29:23 (NIV)
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
In God’s kingdom, honor comes through humility, not self-promotion.
His ways often flip the world’s values upside down.
✅ Reflect: Focus less on being recognized and more on serving others selflessly.
6. Galatians 6:3 (NIV)
“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
Pride deceives us into a false sense of importance.
Truth and humility go hand in hand.
✅ Reflect: Regularly ground yourself in God’s truth about your identity—loved, valuable, but always dependent on Him.
7. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me.”
True boasting is not in our achievements, but in knowing God.
That’s our ultimate treasure.
✅ Reflect: Shift your conversations and thoughts to celebrate God’s work, not your own efforts.
8. Luke 18:14 (NIV)
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus Himself promised that God lifts up the humble.
Pride seeks quick rewards, but humility receives eternal reward.
✅ Reflect: Live today with the quiet confidence that God sees your heart and honors humility in His perfect time.
9. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Genuine love has no room for pride.
True relationships flourish when pride steps aside.
✅ Reflect: Let God’s love reshape how you approach others—with patience, kindness, and humility.
10. Obadiah 1:3 (NIV)
“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks…”
Pride tricks us into thinking we are untouchable.
But God sees everything and calls us to stay rooted in Him.
✅ Reflect: Regularly pray for a heart that remains teachable and soft before God.
11. Psalm 10:4 (NIV)
“In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”
Pride edges God out of our thinking.
Humility, on the other hand, invites Him into every part of life.
✅ Reflect: Make space for God in your thoughts, dreams, and decisions today.
12. Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
God clearly says He hates pride.
It’s not a minor flaw—it’s serious and destructive.
✅ Reflect: Ask God for a heart that loves what He loves and hates what He hates.
13. Isaiah 2:11 (NIV)
“The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.”
One day, every form of pride will be brought low before God’s glory.
Living humbly today prepares us for that great day.
✅ Reflect: Practice living in awe of God now, recognizing His greatness above all.
14. Romans 12:3 (NIV)
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…”
Balanced self-awareness is key to humility.
Pride overestimates, but wisdom sees clearly.
✅ Reflect: Celebrate your gifts but stay grounded—everything you have is by God’s grace.
15. Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus’ warning is clear and urgent.
Self-promotion may seem tempting, but humility wins in the end.
✅ Reflect: Trust God’s timing. Let Him lift you up in ways better than you could imagine.
Bible Verses About Pride in Relationships
Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Reflection:
Pride often becomes the root of conflict in relationships. When we let ego take the lead, understanding fades and connection weakens.
Impact:
This verse reminds us that humility opens the door to peace. Letting go of pride helps us listen, forgive, and build stronger, love-filled relationships.
God Hates Pride Bible Verse
Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
Reflection:
God’s heart rejects pride because it separates us from His nature of humility and love. Pride blinds us to truth and makes us self-reliant instead of God-reliant.
Impact:
Understanding that God hates pride helps us check our hearts daily. When we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us up with grace and favor.
Bible Verses About Pride and Selfishness
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
Reflection:
Selfishness and pride walk hand in hand, pulling us away from Christ-like love. True humility values others and seeks to serve rather than be served.
Impact:
This verse encourages a selfless lifestyle. When we honor others with kindness and empathy, our relationships reflect God’s love and unity.
Bible Verses About Pride and Boasting
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me.”
Reflection:
Boasting shifts focus from God to self. Pride in our achievements creates distance from the One who gave us every gift and talent.
Impact:
God calls us to boast only in knowing Him. True confidence comes from His grace, not our glory — and that brings lasting peace and purpose.
Final Encouragement
Pride tries to pull us away from God, but humility draws us close to His heart.
When we choose humility, we invite grace, favor, wisdom, and deeper relationship with Jesus.
