BIBLE TOPICS

Prideful Posturing

The world rewards pride, stubbornness, even narcissism. The Bible values submission, humility, and self-sacrifice. How can giving up our rights and self-interests lead to a better life?

Day One: Arrogance
The words arrogance, arrogant, proud, and haughty are mentioned over 200 times in the NIV Bible. And in practically every occurrence, it is a behavior or attitude detested by God. The Bible tells us those who are arrogant and have a haughty heart are an abomination to Him...
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For more, see "What does the Bible say about ego?"

Day Two: Being Self-Centered
Self-centeredness is defined as "immoderate concern with one's own interests and well-being; self-love or egotism." The Bible tells us "people who are self-centered aren't able to please God"...
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For more, see "What does the Bible say about selfishness?"

Day Three: Stubbornness
"Stubborn as a mule" is a well-known idiom. The Bible actually mentions mules in relation to their stubbornness in Psalm 32:9: "Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle"...
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Day Four: Self-Righteousness
The dictionary definition of self-righteousness is "confidence in one's own righteousness, especially when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others"...
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Day Five: Hypocrisy
In essence, "hypocrisy" refers to the act of claiming to believe something but acting in a different manner. The word is derived from the Greek term for "actor" — literally, "one who wears a mask"...
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Day Six: Pride
There is a difference between the kind of pride that God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we feel about a job well done. The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness is sin, and God hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him...
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For more, see "What does the Bible say about narcissism?"

Image Credit: bill lapp; "stubborn"; Creative Commons