Arrogance and pride are issues that often lie deep within the human heart. Whether it shows up as self-righteousness, a desire for control, or looking down on others, pride can distance us from God and damage relationships. While confidence can be healthy, pride and arrogance shut out wisdom and invite spiritual downfall.
Thankfully, the Bible offers clear direction. It not only warns us about the dangers of arrogance and pride but also invites us to walk in humility, grace, and wisdom. God’s Word teaches that true strength comes from relying on Him—not ourselves.
In this blog post, we’ll look at 15 Bible verses about arrogance and pride. Each Scripture offers truth that challenges us to reflect and grow, and to walk in humility before God and others.
15 Bible Verses About Arrogance and Pride
1. Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Explanation:
This well-known verse delivers a strong warning—pride leads to downfall. When we become arrogant, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. It’s a reminder that humility is the wiser path.
2. James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Explanation:
God actively resists the proud, but He draws close to those who are humble. This verse highlights the spiritual danger of pride and the blessing that comes with humility.
3. Proverbs 8:13
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Explanation:
Here, God’s attitude toward pride is clear—He hates it. Those who revere God should also reject arrogance and the behaviors that come with it.
4. 1 Peter 5:5
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Explanation:
Peter echoes James, urging believers to choose humility in their interactions. Pride separates, but humility builds unity and invites God’s grace into our lives.
5. Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Explanation:
This verse contrasts pride and humility. Pride leads to shame, but humility opens the door to wisdom. It’s a practical reminder for daily living.
6. Luke 18:14
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that God flips the world’s view of status. Those who lift themselves up will be brought low, while the humble will be honored in God’s eyes.
7. Proverbs 29:23
Pride brings a person low,
but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
Explanation:
This verse reinforces the biblical theme that humility leads to true respect. Pride may give a temporary sense of elevation, but it ultimately brings downfall.
8. Isaiah 2:11
The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low;
the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
Explanation:
Isaiah looks forward to a day when all pride will be stripped away and only God will be lifted up. It’s a sobering reminder of who truly deserves glory.
9. Galatians 6:3
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
Explanation:
Paul calls out self-deception. Thinking too highly of ourselves leads us away from truth and humility. This verse invites honest self-reflection.
10. Jeremiah 9:23
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.”
Explanation:
God reminds us not to boast in our own abilities or achievements. True significance is found not in pride, but in knowing and trusting Him.
11. Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Explanation:
Paul encourages a balanced, humble view of ourselves. It’s not about thinking less of ourselves, but thinking rightly—with faith and gratitude.
12. Obadiah 1:3
The pride of your heart has deceived you,
you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights,
you who say to yourself, “Who can bring me down to the ground?”
Explanation:
This verse warns about the illusion that pride creates. Feeling invincible or untouchable is dangerous. God sees through arrogance and humbles the proud.
13. Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Explanation:
Pride often leads to conflict because it resists correction. Humility, on the other hand, is open to counsel and leads to wise decisions and peace.
14. Daniel 4:37
Those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Explanation:
After being humbled by God himself, King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges this truth. No matter how powerful someone appears, God can bring them low to restore perspective.
15. Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
Explanation:
Pride closes the heart to God. This verse reveals how arrogance pushes God out of the picture, making us rely on ourselves rather than on Him.
Final Thoughts on Arrogance and Pride
The Bible is clear: arrogance and pride are spiritual traps. They may look like strength, but they lead to isolation, conflict, and ultimately, a fall. These 15 Bible verses about arrogance and pride serve as both a warning and a guide. They remind us that true strength is found in humility, dependence on God, and a heart that seeks to honor others above self.
God’s grace is available to everyone willing to walk humbly with Him. If pride has taken root, He offers the mercy and power to pull it out and replace it with wisdom, peace, and joy.
Now it’s your turn.
Which verse challenged or encouraged you the most? Have you ever struggled with pride and seen God work in your heart? Share your story, favorite verse, or insights in the comments below. Let’s grow together in humility and faith.