Pride Comes Before Destruction

Pride is openly celebrated into day’s culture. In our modern world, people are encouraged to be lovers of self, with mainstream media constantly promoting the idea that personal happiness and self-fulfilment come above all else.

Arrogance and self-indulgence have become the norm, driven by a “do whatever feels good” mentality. Ironically, those who preach tolerance and love are often the quickest to show hostility toward those espousing traditional values — values that once formed the foundation of our society for generations. Anyone who dares to question immoral behaviour is quickly labelled outdated, intolerant, or hateful.

We are living in a time when the teachings of the Bible, acknowledged only decades ago, are largely dismissed, viewed as irrelevant or outdated. Yet, despite this cultural rejection, the Bible remains the best-selling book of all time — surpassing works by William Shakespeare, the Quran, and even modern favourites like Harry Potter.

In light of the Bible’s enduring influence, let’s take a closer look at what it actually says about pride. Is it something to be embraced—or something to be avoided?

The Bible consistently warns against pride. Proverbs 16:18 says: “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.”

Pride is the sin that caused Satan to be cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). It was pride that led Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, thinking they could be “like God” (Genesis 3:5). Throughout Scripture, pride is shown as the root of sin—an attitude that elevates self above God.

James 4:6 reminds us: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

When we are filled with pride, we refuse to acknowledge our need for God. We put ourselves in His place, thinking we are self-sufficient. But the truth is, we are nothing without Him (John 15:5).

Pride in Modern Society

Today’s culture teaches that pride is a virtue. We are told to be proud of who we are, to live “our truth,” and to reject anyone who challenges our personal identity. But this mindset leads people away from God.

Consider the ways pride manifests in society today:

Pride in Self-Reliance: Many believe they don’t need God because they can take care of themselves.

Pride in Sin: Instead of repenting, people celebrate sin and even redefine morality to justify their actions.

Pride in Identity: Society teaches that identity should be defined by feelings rather than by reality and God’s design.

Pride in Knowledge: Many think they are too “intelligent” for God, rejecting His wisdom in favour of worldly philosophies. This kind of pride leads to destruction in this life and the hereafter, just as Proverbs warns. It separates us from God and blinds us to the truth of His Word.

Pride in Public: Pride is celebrated through the street, sometimes obscene displays have been witnessed, men with men, mimicking sex acts, unsuitable for children, who are often in attendance.

Embracing Humility

The opposite of pride is humility. Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself and became a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He calls us to do the same:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

True freedom is not found in pride but in surrender to Jesus Christ. Instead of exalting ourselves, we must recognise our need for Him, confess our sins, and follow His ways.

If pride has taken root in your heart, now is the time to turn to God. He is willing to forgive and restore all who come to Him in humility.

1 John 1:9 promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God commands us to lay down our pride and surrender our lives to Christ, walking in obedience to His Word, so that pride does not come between us and Him—now or for eternity. Will you choose to humble yourself before God today?

Humble yourself before God—and He will lift you up. (James 4:10)

If this message makes sense to you, it is time to put your faith in Christ. It is not about going to church or observing religious rules. It is about having a personal relationship with God. Simply begin by asking God to forgive you for your sin. Tell him you want to turn your back on the past and follow Christ into the future. This is the first step on your journey with God. The next step is to begin reading the Bible and to find people who believe the same.

For further information please contact the Good News UK Tour. We would love to hear from you.