The Holy Bible Verses

50 Bible Verses About Pride

Explore Bible verses about pride and humility, including Proverbs 16:18. Reflect, pray, and take action to foster humility in your life.

By The Editorial Team

Verses sourced from the World English Bible (public domain). Selection follows our editorial policy. Last reviewed 2026-04-23. See all sources.

Pride is often portrayed negatively in the Bible, leading to downfall and conflict, as noted in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride precedes destruction. In contrast, humility is encouraged, with teachings emphasizing the value of lowering oneself and serving others, fostering a spirit of cooperation and peace.

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18 WEB

Pride can sneak into our hearts when we least expect it. It’s subtle, often disguising itself as self-assurance or ambition. But the Bible warns us of its dangers. Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This verse serves as a reminder that unchecked pride can lead to downfall. Humility, in contrast, opens the door to wisdom and grace.

Scripture frequently addresses pride and its consequences. In 2 Samuel 22:28, we see a promise of deliverance for the humble: “You will save the afflicted people, But your eyes are on the haughty, that you may bring them down.” Similarly, Job 33:17 and Job 40:11-12 remind us of God’s power to humble the proud. These verses encourage us to reflect on our attitudes, ensuring our hearts remain humble before God and others. The Psalms also caution against vanity, urging us to seek truth over falsehoods.

50 verses

  1. 1

    “You will save the afflicted people, But your eyes are on the haughty, that you may bring them down.”

  2. 2

    “That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.”

  3. 3

    “Pour out the fury of your anger. Look at everyone who is proud, and bring him low.”

  4. 4

    “Look at everyone who is proud, and humble him. Crush the wicked in their place.”

  5. 5

    “You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.”

  6. 6

    “For you will save the afflicted people, but the haughty eyes you will bring down.”

  7. 7

    “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.”

  8. 8

    “They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.”

  9. 9

    “Don’t let the foot of pride come against me. Don’t let the hand of the wicked drive me away.”

  10. 10

    “Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples. Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations that delight in war.”

  11. 11

    “Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.”

  12. 12

    “You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.”

  13. 13

    “Yahweh upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground.”

  14. 14

    “The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.”

  15. 15

    “When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.”

  16. 16

    “Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.”

  17. 18

    “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

  18. 19

    “Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.”

  19. 20

    “A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.”

  20. 21

    “The proud and haughty man, “scoffer” is his name; he works in the arrogance of pride.”

  21. 22

    “A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.”

  22. 23

    “The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the haughtiness of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.”

  23. 24

    “For there will be a day of Yahweh of Armies for all that is proud and haughty, and for all that is lifted up; and it shall be brought low:”

  24. 25

    “The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.”

  25. 26

    “So man is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled;”

  26. 27

    “I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will humble the haughtiness of the terrible.”

  27. 28

    “We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; even of his arrogance, his pride, and his wrath. His boastings are nothing.”

  28. 29

    “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush. Therefore they will fall among those who fall. When I visit them, they will be cast down,” says Yahweh.”

  29. 31

    ““We have heard of the pride of Moab. He is very proud in his loftiness, his pride, his arrogance, and the haughtiness of his heart.”

  30. 32

    “As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill, though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says Yahweh.”

  31. 33

    “The proud one will stumble and fall, and no one will raise him up. I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it will devour all who are around him.””

  32. 34

    ““‘Behold, the day! Behold, it comes! Your doom has gone out. The rod has blossomed. Pride has budded.”

  33. 35

    “thus says the Lord Yahweh: “Remove the turban, and take off the crown. This will not be as it was. Exalt that which is low, and humble that which is high.”

  34. 36

    “The pride of Israel testifies to his face. Therefore Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their iniquity. Judah also will stumble with them.”

  35. 37

    “The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed. The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars. They will tell the mountains, “Cover us!” and the hills, “Fall on us!””

  36. 38

    “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in his heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’”

  37. 39

    “Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith.”

  38. 40

    “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

  39. 41

    “covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.”

  40. 42

    “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.””

  41. 43

    “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.””

  42. 44

    “Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits.”

  43. 45

    “Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,”

  44. 46

    “Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.”

  45. 47

    “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Proverbs 3:34”

  46. 48

    “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

  47. 49

    “Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Proverbs 3:34”

  48. 50

    “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;”

For your week

Reflect

Pride can cloud our judgment and isolate us from others. Reflect on how humility invites closeness with God and fosters genuine relationships. Consider how Proverbs 16:18 speaks to your life today.

Pray

Dear God, humble my heart and open my eyes to areas of pride. Help me seek Your wisdom and grace. Let humility guide my actions and thoughts. Amen.

Apply

This week, practice humility by actively listening to others. Avoid interrupting and seek to understand their perspectives. Reflect on Proverbs 16:18 daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about pride?

The Bible frequently warns against pride, highlighting its destructive nature. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This suggests that pride can lead to one's downfall. In 2 Samuel 22:28, God saves the humble and brings down the proud. Pride is seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and connection with God. Instead, humility is encouraged as a path to wisdom and grace.

How do I overcome pride?

Overcoming pride begins with recognizing its presence in your life. Scripture encourages humility and reliance on God. James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." Regular prayer, self-reflection, and seeking feedback from trusted friends can help identify prideful tendencies. Engage with scripture, such as Proverbs 16:18, to remind yourself of the value of humility and the dangers of pride.

What is the difference between confidence and pride?

Confidence and pride may seem similar, but they differ significantly. Confidence stems from understanding one's abilities and trusting in them without arrogance. Pride, however, involves an inflated sense of self-worth and superiority over others. Romans 12:3 advises, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment." Confidence respects others, while pride seeks to elevate oneself above them.

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