Key Characteristics of the Spirit of Pride

I know it’s not easy to look for flaws within oneself, but it is imperative if you are to grow and mature as a child of God. If you are never willing to self-reflect on your character and give God access to change you, how can you become Christ-like? The Lord can bring you to your knees in other ways, but to willingly reflect and allow the Lord to show you areas that need attention, can prevent trials and tribulations.

In the Bible, the “spirit of pride” refers to an attitude of arrogance, excessive self-esteem, and a haughty spirit that leads to a disregard for God and others. It’s considered a sin and a root cause of many other negative behaviors. Pride is often associated with a desire to exalt oneself above God and others, leading to conflict and ultimately, destruction. Below are some of those characteristics of the spirit of pride.

Arrogance and Self-Exaltation: A belief in one’s own superiority and a tendency to look down on others

Stubbornness and Resistance to Correction: A refusal to acknowledge one’s faults or to be corrected by others

Lack of Humility: An inability to recognize one’s dependence on God and others

Disregard for God’s Authority: A tendency to elevate one’s own will and desires above God’s

Conflict and Division: Pride often leads to strife, contention, and broken relationships

Biblical Examples:

Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse highlights the destructive nature of pride and its connection to downfall.

1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”” This verse emphasizes that God actively resists those who are proud and instead shows favor to those who are humble.

Isaiah 14:12-15, ““How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.” This passage is often interpreted as describing the fall of Satan, who is portrayed as being driven by prideful ambition to exalt himself above God.

Daniel 4:37, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” King Nebuchadnezzar’s pride leads to him being driven from his kingdom and living like an animal until he humbles himself (see Daniel 4:28-37).

Luke 18:14, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrates the danger of self-righteousness and pride. The Pharisee, full of pride, boasts about his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbles himself before God (see Luke 18:9-14).

Prayer: Father God, I submit to you and give have access into my heart. Show me anywhere I’ve fallen short of being Christ-like. If pride and haughtiness is in my heart, I repent of it and ask you to remove it. Give me a meek and humble spirit. Thank you, Father, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Susan Bolinger – Bloom Ladies Ministry, DOTK Community Writer