Pride is a heart issue that the Bible warns us about many times. One of the most famous warnings is found in Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Let's look at 10 interesting facts that help us understand this important truth even better.
1. The Phrase Is Based on Proverbs 16:18
The popular saying "Pride comes before the fall" is rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse reminds us that arrogance leads to ruin, not success.
Other supporting verses:
- Proverbs 18:12 – "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility."
- Proverbs 11:2 – "When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom."
2. Pride Led to Satan’s Fall
The earliest example of pride causing a fall is Satan. Isaiah 14:12–15 says, "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!"
Supporting verse:
- Ezekiel 28:17 – "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor."
3. Pride Was a Major Sin of Ancient Kings
Many ancient rulers fell because of unchecked pride. King Nebuchadnezzar is a classic example. Daniel 4:30–31 says, "The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?’ While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!’"
Other example:
- 2 Chronicles 26:16 – "But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God."
4. Pride Distances Us From God
Pride puts a wall between us and God’s help. James 4:6 says, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
Additional verses:
- 1 Peter 5:5 – "Be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
- Psalm 138:6 – "Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar."
5. Pride Makes Us Blind
Pride deceives. It hides faults and inflates strengths. Obadiah 1:3 says, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high."
Supporting verse:
- Jeremiah 49:16 – "Your fierceness has deceived you, the pride of your heart."
6. Humility Is the Cure for Pride
God's solution for pride is humility. Proverbs 22:4 says, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life."
Other verses:
- Micah 6:8 – "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
- Philippians 2:3 – "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
7. Jesus Taught Against Pride
Jesus clearly warned about pride in His teachings. Luke 18:14 says, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Another example:
- Matthew 23:12 – "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
8. Pride Can Come Before Small Falls Too
Even small failures often begin with pride. Proverbs 29:23 says, "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor."
Supporting verse:
- Galatians 6:3 – "For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
9. Pride Was One of Israel’s Problems
Israel often fell into pride after success. Deuteronomy 8:14 says, "When your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage."
Other example:
- Hosea 13:6 – "When they had pasture, they were filled; they were filled and their heart was exalted; therefore they forgot Me."
10. God Offers Second Chances After Pride
Even when pride causes a fall, God offers restoration. Daniel 4:37 says, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down."
Supporting verse:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 – "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pride
| Advantages of Humility | Disadvantages of Pride |
|---|---|
| Brings favor with God (James 4:6) | Brings destruction (Proverbs 16:18) |
| Leads to honor (Luke 18:14) | Leads to shame (Proverbs 11:2) |
| Encourages spiritual growth | Stunts wisdom and understanding (Obadiah 1:3) |
| Builds trust with others | Breaks relationships and creates division |
Final Thoughts
"Pride comes before the fall" is not just a wise saying. It is a deep spiritual truth. God blesses the humble, but resists the proud. When we stay low before God, He lifts us up at the right time. As Psalm 25:9 says, "The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way."
