We’re nearing the end of our series on the quiet sins we often overlook: envy, white lies, grumbling, pride, and unforgiveness. These sins rarely draw attention. They don’t look dramatic. But they chip away at the heart in subtle ways. Today’s focus is pride, a sin so common and so quiet that many never notice it until the damage is done.
James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This passage should get our attention. God actively resists the proud. He pushes back. He opposes. Pride puts us on the wrong side of God.
We usually picture pride as bragging or arrogance. But Scripture goes deeper. Pride is self-reliance instead of God-reliance. Pride is believing we’re doing fine on our own. Pride is refusing correction. Pride is the quiet voice whispering, “You don’t need help. You’re not wrong. You know better.”
Pride hides in places where people look religious:
It hides in the heart that thinks, “I would never fall like that.”
It hides in the mind that says, “They need this sermon—not me.”
It hides in the person who serves but refuses accountability.
It hides in the teacher or preacher who fears being wrong more than being unholy.
Proverbs warns, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Pride is a slow build, then a sudden collapse. It convinces us we are strong until the moment we crumble.
The Pharisee in Luke 18 is a perfect picture. He prayed, “God, I thank You that I’m not like other people” (Luke 18:11). His confidence wasn’t in God. It was in himself. Jesus said the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, went home justified. Why? Because “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).
Pride in the Church and in Ministry
Pride doesn’t only affect individuals. It damages congregations, families, and leadership.
It’s the elder who won’t admit a mistake.
It’s the preacher who can’t accept correction.
It’s the teacher who won’t learn from others.
It’s the member who refuses to reconcile.
It’s the Christian who believes their opinion is gospel truth.
Paul faced this in Corinth. Some members boasted in their teachers, their knowledge, and their spiritual gifts. Paul responded, “What do you have that you didn’t receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). It was his way of saying, “Everything you are and everything you can do is a gift. Stop boasting about what God gave you.”
When pride takes hold in a church, unity breaks down. Small disagreements become battles. Preferences become doctrines. Conversations turn into arguments. People stop listening. Pride makes everyone a teacher and no one a learner.
James gives the cure in blunt terms: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10).
How Do We Fight Pride?
1. Remember who God is.
Isaiah cried out, “Woe is me,” after seeing God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:5). Humility grows when we see God clearly. Pride grows when we stop looking at Him.
2. Confess your weaknesses honestly.
Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). He wasn’t celebrating failure. He was celebrating dependence. Pride dies when we stop pretending.
3. Welcome correction.
“Let the righteous one strike me—it is a kindness” (Psalm 141:5). Only a humble heart sees correction as a gift instead of an attack.
4. Serve without seeking credit.
Jesus washed feet and said, “I have given you an example” (John 13:15). Pride wants recognition. Humility wants to bless.
5. Pray for a soft heart.
Pride hardens. Humility opens. Ask God to keep your heart teachable, gentle, and honest.
Jesus is the perfect picture of humility. He had all authority, but He emptied Himself (Philippians 2:6-8). He could have demanded honor, but He chose a cross.
He could have sat on a throne, but He picked up a towel.
When we walk with Him, He reshapes our spirit. Pride shrinks. Grace expands. And we begin to look like the Savior who humbled Himself for us.
Great article thanks
Thank you again for another great lesson and reminder that I need.