Pride: Is it a Good or Bad Thing?

Pride is a complex and often misunderstood concept. On the one hand, it can inspire confidence, perseverance, and a sense of accomplishment. On the other, it can lead to arrogance, division, and estrangement from God. The Bible offers profound insights into the dual nature of pride, illustrating both its constructive and destructive sides.

The Good Side of Pride

Pride, when rooted in humility and gratitude, can be a positive force. It allows us to take joy in our work, celebrate the talents God has given us, and honor Him through our achievements.

One example is found in 2 Corinthians 7:4, where Paul writes, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” Paul’s pride in the Corinthians stems from their growth in faith and commitment to the Gospel. This kind of pride uplifts and encourages others, focusing on God’s work in people’s lives.

Another example is seen in the Old Testament. Nehemiah 4:6 recounts the Israelites rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall: “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” Their pride in their shared effort and obedience to God’s calling motivated them to overcome opposition and complete their task.

This type of pride acknowledges God as the source of strength and ability. It’s not about exalting oneself but recognizing God’s blessings and using them to glorify Him.

The Dark Side of Pride

Conversely, pride can be destructive when it becomes self-centered and dismissive of God. The Bible warns us repeatedly about the dangers of this type of pride.

Proverbs 16:18 famously states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This kind of pride leads people to rely on their own understanding and abilities, disregarding their dependence on God. Such arrogance distances us from Him and can result in disastrous consequences.

A poignant example is King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. Despite being warned through a dream, Nebuchadnezzar boasts about the great Babylon he built by his power and for his glory. As a result, God humbles him, and he loses his kingdom until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty. His story illustrates the perils of unchecked pride and the need to submit to God’s authority.

The Pharisees in the New Testament also demonstrate the negative side of pride. Their self-righteousness and obsession with outward appearances (see Matthew 23:27-28) blinded them to their need for grace and led them to oppose Jesus, the very source of salvation they claimed to seek.

Balancing Pride with Humility

The key to navigating the double-edged nature of pride is humility. James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” True humility doesn’t mean belittling ourselves but recognizing our place before God and giving Him the glory for all we achieve.

Jesus provides the ultimate example. Though fully divine, He humbled Himself to take on human form and serve others, even to death (see Philippians 2:5-8). This humility glorified God and offered salvation to humanity. If Jesus, the Son of God, could walk in humility, how much more should we?

Reflection

Pride is neither inherently good nor bad; it’s the condition of our heart that determines its impact. When our pride stems from gratitude and a desire to honor God, it can inspire us and others to do great things. But when it’s rooted in arrogance and self-sufficiency, it leads to ruin.

Let us strive to imitate Christ’s humility, finding joy in our God-given gifts and accomplishments while always pointing back to Him as the source of our strength. Doing so can transform pride into a tool for God’s glory rather than a stumbling block in our spiritual walk.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church