C.S. Lewis called pride the “great sin”:

“The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility…According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.”

Since pride is completely considered an anti-God state of mind, it’s no wonder that God says He will humble the proud.

Let’s take a dive into what the Bible says about humbling the proud and how we can pursue a humble heart that submits without having to be in opposition to the Lord.

Where Does the Bible Say God Will Humble the Proud?

It is actually a big theme in scripture that God humbles the proud. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was humble and since He is our ultimate example, God expects humility from His followers.

The Bible says that “God is not mocked” and men “reap what they sow.” If we believe that we can live full of pride before God and others, and not ever ensue consequences, we are severely mistaken.

The contrast is made all through scripture with the proud being foolish, perverse, and selfish. On the other hand, those who are humble are described as wise, upright, and righteous.

Scriptures on Humbling the Proud

I have rounded up the scriptures that speak specifically to God humbling the proud. The Bible has a ton more to say on humility and pride so if you want to do a deep dive, grab a Bible dictionary and look them up.

• The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled). Isaiah 2:11-12 NIV

• He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. Proverbs 3:34 NIV

• The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5

• Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Psalm 31:23 NIV

• But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6 NIV

• All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV

Bible Story Examples of God Humbling the Proud

There are many examples in the Bible of God humbling the proud, especially in the Old Testament. Just think of Adam and Eve having the leave the garden, the Tower of Babel, Jacob’s humbling life, and that’s just in Genesis.

I wanted to bring out a couple of specific examples that really hit home for me.

1. Aaron and Miriam Speak Against Moses

The first is found in Numbers 12:

Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) Numbers 12:1-3 NIV

Moses’ own brother and sister start trouble. Their first issue is against Moses’ wife because she is Ethiopian. Whether it is her nationality, being a non-Hebrew or her difference in appearance and customs, we are not told.

Second, they bring into question Mose’s character. They thought Moses pridefully though himself the only spokesman of God to Israel. Although it was asked it as a question, it was a out right opposition against the authority of Moses, and God, who appointed Moses.

Notice the note in verse 3, however, “Moses was very humble.” And not just that but more humble than any other person on the face of the earth. God could not allow this disrespect against his name or His servant.

God humbles Aaron and Miriam. First, God condemns them through a great cloud with burning anger about why they are not afraid to speak against His servant. Next, Miriam is struck with leprosy. The Lord does not allow pride to go on when it challenges Him or His people.

2. King Nebuchadnezzar is Humbled

This next example is found in Daniel 3-4. It actually resonates with me because I tend to be a bit hard headed. This is the case with King Nebuchadnezzar who had to be humbled twice because he didn’t learn his lesson the first time. There is a lot going on here and I don’t want to go too deep as we focus on the king’s pride and how God humbles him.

His first mistake is encouraging idol worship over worship of the one true God. Daniel 3:1, 4-6 NIV: “ King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide…Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:  As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.  Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

I’m sure you are familiar with God’s servants, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who refuse to bow the the idol and are cast in the king’s anger into a fiery furnace. God uses this opportunity to humble King Nebuchadnezzar as he shows that He is the giver and taker of life. He is also in control the the elements. The men do not burn up and God reveals himself as the One True God to the king.

One would think this power ploy would be enough to show King Nebuchadnezzar that He must not test God with his pride. Sadly, it is not. In chapter 4, the king is warned in a dream that unless he renounces his sinful pride and humbles himself before God, God will humble him.

Daniel 4: 28-32 NIV:  All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon,  he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.  You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

Imagine the most powerful king in the world being driven to live like a crazed, wild animal for 7 years. That would be a humbling experience. And in the end, the king proclaims, “Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:34-35 NIV)

Pride vs. Humility

Humility and pride are opposites. We cannot be prideful in our hearts and act humble. That is considered hypocritical behavior and God knows the heart. Consider the following scriptures in Proverbs 3 and then lets list some signs of pride and signs of humility.

For the Lord detests the perverse
    but takes the upright into his confidence.
 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.
 He mocks proud mockers
    but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
 The wise inherit honor,
    but fools get only shame. Proverbs 3:32-35 NIV

Signs of Pride

Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate. Psalm 101:5 NIV

These are signs of pride that are found in scripture. It’s good for us to be aware and watch for pride in our hearts.

• Consumed with self and one’s own needs over the needs of others.
• Need to control people or situations.
• Showing favoritism to those who make us look good.
• Criticism and harshness with others.
• Unforgiveness and bitterness toward people.
• Refusing to see your own faults.
• Lack of obedience to God’s word.
• Not confessing sin.

Consider Philippians 2:3-5 NIV: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Signs of Humility

Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NIV

There are some signs of humility that we can see in ourselves and others and pray that God will cultivate in our own lives.

• Seeks to glorify God above all.
• Considers others first.
• Champions and encourages others.
• Forgives and asks for forgiveness.
• Admits sins and short comings, and always seeks to do better.
• Full of joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control.
• Teachable and obedient.
• Never too good for any task or to serve any person.

Consider Colossians 3:12-13 NIV:  Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Prayer to be Humble

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. Psalm 131:1 NIV

Lord, forgive me for a proud heart. Teach me to be humble. Show me how to focus on training myself in obedience and excellence before You.

God, I ask that I would not concern myself with great matters that belong to you. Help me to treat you with the respect and honor that are due to your position and holiness. Enable me to forgive others and to act with compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and saving me. Thank you for showing me what true humility looks like. Amen.