Bible verses about pride
Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 29:23 and James 4:6 are the main Bible verses about pride. They connect pride with falling, with being brought low, and with God standing against the proud. All twelve verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
In the World English Bible
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
Falling comes after pride, according to this proverb. A warning that fits any career.
2.Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
In the World English Bible
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
Arrogance tends to bring a person down. Humble people tend to be held up.
3.James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
In the World English Bible
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James says God stands against the proud and shows favor to the humble.
4.Proverbs 16:5
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
In the World English Bible
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; they shall certainly not be unpunished.
Detestable to the Lord is how this proverb describes a proud heart. Strong language.
5.Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
In the World English Bible
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Wisdom herself says what she hates: pride, arrogance, and crooked talk.
6.Luke 14:11
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
In the World English Bible
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Said at a dinner where guests were jockeying for the best seats. Self-promotion gets turned around.
7.Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
In the World English Bible
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Fools have more hope than someone who already thinks they're wise.
8.Galatians 6:3
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
In the World English Bible
For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Thinking you're something when you aren't means fooling yourself. Plain Paul.
9.1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
In the World English Bible
Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
If you think you're standing firm, watch out for a fall. A caution about overconfidence.
10.Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
In the World English Bible
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.
Get along with people, skip the snobbery, and spend time with ordinary folks.
11.Daniel 4:37
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
In the World English Bible
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven; for all his works are truth, and his ways justice; and those who walk in pride he is able to abase.
Nebuchadnezzar learns the hard way and ends with praise. He admits God can bring down the proud.
12.Obadiah 1:3
The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
In the World English Bible
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?’
Edom's pride was its mountain fortress. The prophet says the height wouldn't save them.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about pride?
Proverbs 16:18 is a good place to start. Falling comes after pride, according to this proverb. A warning that fits any career.
What does the Bible say about pride?
Proverbs 16:18 and Proverbs 29:23 link pride to falling or being brought low. James 4:6 says God stands against the proud. Scripture treats pride as a hazard more than a feeling to be ashamed of.
Is it wrong to be proud of your kids or your work?
Scripture's concern is arrogance, as in Galatians 6:3 and Romans 12:16. Paul expresses pride in churches he worked with, for example in 2 Corinthians 7:4. Pride in someone else's good work isn't the target here.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.