Pride, like any character trait, can be beneficial or detrimental. Merriam-Webster’s definitions illustrate both aspects. On one hand, pride is a “sense of one’s own worth.” On the other, it’s “inordinate self-esteem, an unreasonable conceit, insolence or arrogance of demeanor.”
Why would God instill such a trait in us? Because “a sense of one’s own worth” is vital. We’re created in God’s image—that’s the sense of worth He intended us to embrace. As His image-bearers and His creations, we have intrinsic value.
Psalm 139:13–14 reminds us that we’re “fearfully and wonderfully made”—marvelous in God’s eyes. In Ephesians 2:10 we are called God’s “work of art” (AMP). And of course, we have such high value in God the Father’s eyes that He sent Jesus to die on the cross, redeem us from our sinful state, and restore our relationship with them. The price Jesus willingly paid for our redemption gives us a higher value than any other creation.
But as M-W also indicates, that sense of worth can become distorted. Satan loves to take the good things God creates and twist them into perversions. Love becomes lust. Generosity becomes indulgence. Kindness becomes obsession. Worth becomes arrogance.
So how does pride turn from healthy self-worth into destructive haughtiness?
Consider what happened to Adam and Eve in Eden. Satan came along and said, “You deserve more. You’re worth more. God’s holding out on you.” Our enemy shifts our focus from gratitude for what God has given to greed for what He hasn’t given. David put it this way in Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God” (NIV).
Adam and Eve’s thoughts shifted from God to themselves. And the more we focus on self, the more obsessed we become with filling the chasm left in our heart when we push God away. Filling that hole becomes an obsession, and we try many fillers—accumulating wealth, satisfying sexual urges, or indulging in addictive leisure activities. In that pursuit, we view other people as avenues or obstacles to filling that hole instead of individuals divinely created in God’s image too.
Solomon traveled that destructive pride path himself. The book of Ecclesiastes recounts his journey. What did he conclude? That pursuit is futile, like chasing the wind.
So how do we maintain our sense of worth without allowing arrogance to destroy us?
Solomon also wrote “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble there is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 ESV). What wisdom do we need? Here’s what Solomon concluded, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV).
Make our relationship with God top priority. If that’s our goal, the Holy Spirit can cultivate His fruit in us, and one of them is self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). The Greek word refers to “one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.” Unrestrained pride is a lack of self-control, which leads to lower, not higher self-worth.
Only the Holy Spirit can develop the right kind of pride in us—self-worth without self-obsession. We all struggle with pride. Make it a matter of prayer: Gracious God, search my heart. Reveal and remove any unhealthy pride that hinders my relationship with you and with others. Cultivate in me healthy self-worth—a mindset that recognizes my value but never usurps your place as my Creator and King or devalues others.
