45+Bible Verses About Arrogance and Humility

Arrogance blinds us, but humility brings us closer to God.

Arrogance and humility are two contrasting qualities that deeply impact how we live our lives and interact with others. In the Bible, both are discussed extensively, with wisdom on how arrogance can lead to destruction and how humility opens the door to God’s favor. Arrogance is often linked to pride and a sense of superiority, while humility is characterized by recognizing one’s own limitations and submitting to God’s will.

The Bible speaks powerfully about the dangers of arrogance and the beauty of humility. It provides clear guidance on how we should act and think, urging us to embrace humility while steering clear of arrogance. Through numerous verses, we learn that God does not favor the arrogant but honors those who humble themselves before Him.

In this blog post, we will explore various Bible verses about arrogance and humility, understanding their meanings and how they can guide our actions. We’ll also delve into how these virtues impact our relationship with God and others, providing practical insights and lessons drawn from the Scriptures.

Top Bible Verses About Arrogance

Proverbs 16:18

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
This well-known verse emphasizes the connection between arrogance and downfall. It warns that those who are proud and arrogant will eventually face consequences. God warns us that pride blinds us to our own weaknesses, leading to our eventual failure. It’s a reminder that arrogance can cause us to stumble.

James 4:6

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Here, James quotes Proverbs to remind us that God does not look favorably on the arrogant. Instead, He shows His grace to the humble. This verse highlights how our arrogance separates us from God, but humility draws us closer to His favor.

Proverbs 8:13

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
This verse is a strong statement about the nature of arrogance. God Himself hates pride, as it is directly linked to evil behavior. True reverence for God involves recognizing the destructive power of arrogance and choosing to reject it.

Proverbs 11:2

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Pride leads to disgrace, while humility leads to wisdom. The Bible teaches that humility is not only a spiritual virtue but also a practical one. Humble individuals are often wiser and more discerning in their decisions.

Romans 12:3

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: 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.”
Paul warns against thinking too highly of ourselves. Arrogance is often a result of inflated self-importance, but humility is about having a clear, honest view of oneself. Recognizing our dependence on God keeps us humble.

1 Peter 5:5

“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Peter encourages mutual humility among believers. We are called to submit to one another in humility, recognizing that God’s favor is reserved for the humble. This is a call to break down barriers of pride and embrace a humble attitude in all relationships.

Proverbs 21:4

“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the unplowed field of the wicked, produce sin.”
This verse equates arrogance with sin. The proud heart is compared to an unplowed field, a symbol of spiritual emptiness. Arrogance leaves the heart barren, whereas humility cultivates spiritual growth.

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.”
In this prophetic verse, God promises that in the end, all pride will be humbled. The arrogance of humanity will be brought to nothing, and God will be the only one exalted.

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, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah warns against boasting in our own achievements. Instead, we should boast in knowing the Lord, who embodies the qualities of kindness, justice, and righteousness. True humility is found in recognizing God as the source of all goodness.

Luke 14:11

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson about humility in this verse. Those who seek to elevate themselves through arrogance will be brought down, while those who humbly submit to God will be lifted up. Humility leads to honor, both from God and from others.

Arrogance and God’s Displeasure

Proverbs 6:16-17

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Arrogance is listed first in this passage, showing that it is one of the most detestable things to God. Arrogance leads to a variety of sinful behaviors, such as lying and causing conflict, which God strongly condemns.

Isaiah 13:11

“I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins; I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.”
God promises to punish the wicked for their arrogance. This verse serves as a reminder that pride does not go unnoticed by God, and His judgment will eventually bring down the arrogant.

Malachi 4:1

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. Not a root or a branch will be left to them.”
The fate of the arrogant is made clear in this verse: they will face destruction in the end. God’s judgment on arrogance is swift and total.

Psalm 31:23

“Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.”
God promises to preserve those who are humble and true to Him, while those who are proud will receive their due punishment. Humility is the key to finding favor with God.

Isaiah 5:15-16

“So people will be brought low and everyone humbled, the eyes of the arrogant humbled. But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts.”
This passage shows that in the end, all arrogance will be humbled, and God will be exalted through His justice. Arrogance cannot stand before the holiness and righteousness of God.

Humility as the Antidote to Arrogance

Philippians 2:3

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Paul encourages us to adopt a humble attitude toward others. We should value others above ourselves, not driven by selfish ambition or arrogance, but by a genuine love and respect for others.

Micah 6:8

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse offers a clear definition of humility: walking humbly with God. True humility involves acting justly, loving mercy, and staying close to God.

Matthew 23:12

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
In this verse, Jesus again highlights the power of humility. Humbling ourselves leads to honor, both from God and from others.

Proverbs 18:12

“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
Humility is the path to honor. Before we can be exalted by others, we must first humble ourselves before God.

1 Corinthians 1:28-29

“God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”
God chooses the humble and lowly things to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that true greatness in God’s eyes is not found in arrogance but in humility.

Consequences of Arrogance

The Bible makes it clear that arrogance is a dangerous trait, often leading to a downfall. The following verses illustrate the consequences of arrogance:

Proverbs 29:23

“A man’s pride brings him low, but a humble spirit gains honor.”

This verse underscores the destructive nature of pride and arrogance. While pride might elevate a person temporarily, it eventually leads to their downfall. In contrast, a humble spirit is the path to true honor.

Obadiah 1:3-4

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who make your home on the heights. You who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.”

Obadiah warns about the pride that leads to self-deception. Those who are arrogant and believe themselves invincible are destined to fall, as God will bring them down.

Ezekiel 28:17

“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.”

Arrogance born of self-admiration or external beauty can lead to destruction. The fall of the prideful is inevitable when they rely on their own greatness rather than acknowledging God’s supremacy.

Proverbs 16:5

“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

This verse makes it clear that God opposes prideful individuals and will punish them for their arrogance.

Isaiah 10:12

“When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, ‘I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.'”

Isaiah highlights the fall of rulers who exhibit arrogance. The pride of nations and individuals will be punished by God when they exalt themselves over others.

Warnings Against Arrogance

The Bible warns us about the dangers of arrogance and pride, urging us to seek humility instead.

1 Timothy 6:17

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

Timothy warns the rich against arrogance, reminding them that wealth is temporary and unreliable. Instead, they are to place their trust in God.

Romans 11:18

“Do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”

Paul admonishes the believers not to be arrogant in their faith. They should remember that it is God who supports them, not their own efforts or righteousness.

Deuteronomy 8:14

“Then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

Deuteronomy warns against the pride that arises from success and prosperity. When people forget that their blessings come from God, they become arrogant and lose sight of His grace.

Proverbs 25:6-7

“Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here,’ than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.”

This passage advises humility in social situations. It teaches the value of letting others recognize your worth rather than pushing yourself forward.

Isaiah 14:12-15

“How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… but you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.'”

Isaiah describes the fall of Lucifer due to his pride. Arrogance, even in the heavenly realms, leads to destruction and humiliation.

Examples of Arrogance in the Bible

The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who displayed arrogance and suffered the consequences:

Daniel 4:30-32

“The king spoke and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?’ While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you!'”

King Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance led to his downfall. He boasted about his achievements, forgetting that his power came from God.

Esther 3:5

“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.”

Haman’s arrogance led him to seek revenge on Mordecai and all the Jews, which eventually led to his own demise.

2 Chronicles 26:16

“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God…”

King Uzziah’s pride and arrogance led to his downfall. Despite his success, he failed to honor God, and his pride brought him to ruin.

2 Samuel 15:4

“Then Absalom would say, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me, and I would see that they receive justice.'”

Absalom’s arrogance was evident in his desire to replace his father, King David, and take over the throne.

Acts 12:21-23

“On the appointed day, Herod, wearing his royal robe, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

King Herod’s arrogance led to his death. His failure to honor God and accept praise for himself resulted in divine judgment.

God’s Opposition to the Proud

God is clear in the Bible that He opposes the proud and arrogant:

Psalm 138:6

“Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”

God opposes the proud but shows kindness to the humble. The proud are far from God’s favor, but He draws near to the humble.

2 Samuel 22:28

“You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.”

God makes it clear that He helps the humble but brings down the proud.

Luke 1:51

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”

God scatters the proud, showing His power over those who exalt themselves.

Isaiah 57:15

“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”

God dwells with the humble and lowly, bringing revival to their hearts.

Job 40:11-12

“Unleash the fury of your wrath; look at all who are proud and bring them low; look at all who are proud and humble them.”

Job speaks of God’s judgment upon the proud. Arrogance leads to divine opposition.

Arrogance Leads to Deception

Arrogance often blinds individuals to the truth and leads them into deception.

Obadiah 1:3

“The pride of your heart has deceived you…”

Pride deceives people into thinking they are invincible, leading them away from truth and wisdom.

Galatians 6:3

“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”

Arrogance leads people to believe they are greater than they are, which is a form of self-deception.

Jeremiah 49:16

“The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you…”

Pride deceives individuals into thinking they are untouchable, but in reality, they are vulnerable.

1 Corinthians 3:18

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.”

Arrogance in worldly wisdom leads to self-deception, and true wisdom comes from humility.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

“He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple…”

Arrogance leads people to set themselves against God, deceiving themselves into believing they can surpass Him.

Bible Verses for Baby Dedication and Blessing

Avoiding Arrogance

Humility is the key to avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance. The Bible offers clear guidance on how to live humbly.

Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Clothe yourself with humility and compassion, as this is a hallmark of a believer’s life.

Philippians 2:5-8

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…”

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. He, though God, humbled Himself for the sake of others.

Titus 3:2

“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Titus advises us to be humble, gentle, and considerate, avoiding the arrogance of slander.

Ephesians 4:2

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Humility is shown through gentleness, patience, and love in relationships with others.

Matthew 18:4

“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus teaches that humility, symbolized by a child’s lowly position, is the path to greatness in God’s kingdom.

Arrogance in Leadership

Arrogance can be especially harmful in leadership roles. The Bible provides clear examples of how pride in leadership leads to downfall:

Daniel 5:20

“But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.”

King Belshazzar’s pride led to the loss of his throne and his kingdom.

Proverbs 27:2

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”

Arrogance in leadership is shown when leaders praise themselves rather than let others recognize their worth.

1 Kings 12:7

“They replied, ‘If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.'”

Leadership through humility is key to lasting influence. Leaders must serve others, not exalt themselves.

Matthew 20:26

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

Jesus teaches that humility in leadership leads to true greatness.

2 Chronicles 32:25

“But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the Lord’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.”

King Hezekiah’s arrogance led to God’s wrath, demonstrating the dangers of pride in leadership.

Bible Verses About Arrogance and Humility

Biblical Principle	Application	Scripture Reference
Humility Before God	Embrace humility in your relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty.	James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Pride Leads to Destruction	Arrogance and pride can lead to downfall, while humility brings honor.	Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Serving Others with Humility	Humility is shown through serving others, following Christ’s example.	Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
The Humble Will Be Exalted	Humble behavior is valued by God, and He will raise the humble in due time.	Matthew 23:12 – “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Avoiding Arrogance	Arrogance is discouraged; a humble spirit aligns us with God’s will.	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.”

Key Insight

What is the main message of the Bible regarding arrogance?

The Bible warns that arrogance leads to downfall and encourages humility as a virtue that brings honor and favor from God.

How does the Bible define humility?

Humility in the Bible is about recognizing one’s dependence on God, not seeking one’s own glory, and serving others selflessly.

Why does God oppose arrogance?

Arrogance goes against God’s teachings, causing people to rely on their own strength rather than trust in His power, leading to spiritual harm.

What are some biblical examples of arrogance?

Examples like Nebuchadnezzar’s pride in Daniel 4 and King Herod’s pride in Acts 12 show how arrogance leads to destruction.

How can we avoid arrogance according to the Bible?

The Bible advises practicing humility, being mindful of our behavior, and following Christ’s example of servant leadership.

Conclusion:

Arrogance is a dangerous and destructive trait that the Bible consistently warns against, while humility is exalted as a virtue that brings us closer to God. The Scriptures offer clear guidance on how to avoid arrogance, the consequences of pride, and the importance of living humbly.

By learning from the examples in the Bible and applying these teachings, we can cultivate a life marked by humility and service to others.