Have you bought into the “all about me” attitude that’s prevalent in our culture today? Even if you haven’t done it consciously, do you sometimes act that way? Do you always want to be first in line? Are you rude behind the wheel, trying to get ahead of everyone else? Do you want to have a better house, car, or other possessions than those around you? Pride can rear its head in all kinds of ugly ways.
Pride’s family of behaviors includes conceit, self-righteousness, boasting, selfish ambition, showing off, vanity, and impatience. These can be replaced with humility.
Discover how to overcome pride in its various forms through time-tested insights that really work!
Self-Test
Are You Proud?
The following self-evaluation quiz will help you determine whether you have a tendency toward pride.
- Do you spend more time thinking about yourself than about God or about other people?
- Do you make yourself the center of most conversations?
- Do you compare yourself with others often, judging yourself favorably?
- Do you take credit for your own looks, intelligence, or ability?
- Do you try to make sure that others are aware of your personal gifts or possessions?
- Do you think you deserve more of this world’s good things than other people do?
- Are you willing to pursue your selfish goals even if it means others are hurt in the process?
- Do you think God must be pleased with you because of how ethical or religious you are?
- Do you ever think you do not really need God or other people?
Pride: It’s All About Me
If you are conceited, vain, or self-righteous, you probably want others to know how great you are. There are different ways you can do that. Three key terms for these strategies are boasting, showing off, and selfish ambition. (read more)
5 Steps to Overcome Pride
Are you struggling with a form of pride? We have outlined a five-step process to help you change and heal in this area of your life. Take all the time you need with each of the steps included in this process. (read more)
Finding Freedom — A True Story
John Winters took seriously his job as church board chairman. He had definite ideas about how church affairs should be run. He said that nothing but the best could be tolerated in Christian work.
Once, when he felt the pastor was undercutting his efforts to maintain a high standard, John came close to an open conflict with him. He had engaged in arguments in other churches and had left amidst controversy, but he liked his present church. He didn’t want to leave, though he felt that integrity might force him to do so. (read more)
Related Verses
Meditate on these verses related to pride, and ask God to show you anything that you need to confess and repent of:
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (1 John 2:16, NLT2)
Pride goes before destruction. (Proverbs 16:18, NIV)
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:7, NLT2)
What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. (Isaiah 5:21, NLT2)
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others. (Philippians 2:3-4, NLT2)
True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. (Proverbs 22:4, NLT2)