06/02/2026
The Bible distinguishes between two types of pride.
There is a difference between the kind of pride God hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of legitimate pride we can feel about a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or over the accomplishments of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4).
The sinful form of pride, however, is treated very seriously. Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something God has accomplished. Taking the glory that belongs to God alone and keeping it for ourselves. It is essentially self-worship.
Pride, proud, and haughty.
3 words used at least 103 times in Scripture and are never used in a positive way when referring to this sinful form. They are always found in reference to sin and evil.
In 2 Corinthians 7:4, Paul writes, “I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”
Here Paul expresses pride in the Corinthian church for their faith and spiritual growth. This isn’t arrogance, it’s the deep satisfaction of a mentor watching those he loves flourish. Paul felt this same form of pride for the spiritual well-being of the churches he helped establish, referring to the Thessalonians as his “glory and joy” in 1 Thessalonians 2:20.
Galatians 6:4 says, “Let each person examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.” Paul is referring to the kind of godly self-examination by which we are meant to judge ourselves and in which we should live with a clear conscience. The key distinction here is that this pride is inward-looking in a healthy way, it’s about integrity and honest self-assessment, not superiority over others.
At the end of the day, godly pride has nothing to do with ourselves. In every example above, the pride is directed outward - toward God, toward the growth of others, or toward work that was accomplished through God’s grace rather than by personal greatness. The moment pride turns inward and self-serving, it crosses into the sinful territory the Bible so strongly warns against.
