What Are Haughty Eyes?
“Haughty eyes” is a phrase used in the Bible to describe prideful, arrogant, or proud looks. It doesn’t just mean someone rolled their eyes or looked proud once. It points to a deeper heart issue—someone who thinks they’re better than others, looks down on people, and refuses to humble themselves before God.
The Bible often connects haughty eyes with sin, destruction, and the kind of pride that separates people from God.
Why God Hates Haughty Eyes
The Bible clearly shows that God hates pride. In fact, haughty eyes are listed first among the “seven things the Lord hates.”
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood…” — Proverbs 6:16–17 (ESV)
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” — Proverbs 16:5 (ESV)
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” — Proverbs 16:5 (NIV)
God doesn’t just dislike pride—He actively opposes it.
Pride Leads to a Fall
Another reason the Bible warns against haughty eyes is because pride blinds people. It causes them to ignore wisdom, correction, or humility. This leads to ruin.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” — Proverbs 18:12 (NIV)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” — Proverbs 11:2 (ESV)
This isn’t just theory—it plays out in real life. Arrogance blinds people to danger until it’s too late.
God Honors the Humble
God doesn’t want people to walk around feeling better than others. He blesses those who are humble.
“Though the Lord is on high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” — Psalm 138:6 (ESV)
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” — Psalm 149:4 (NIV)
“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” — Luke 1:52 (ESV)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” — James 4:10 (ESV)
Those who look down on others are keeping God at a distance. But the humble draw near to His heart.
Examples of Haughty Eyes in the Bible
Here are real examples from Scripture of people who showed haughty eyes—and what happened next.
| Person/Group | What They Did | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pharaoh (Exodus) | Refused to let God’s people go; ignored God’s power | Suffered plagues and defeat |
| King Nebuchadnezzar | Boasted about his own greatness | Lost his mind until he humbled himself |
| The Pharisees (Gospels) | Looked down on others and boasted in self-righteousness | Rebuked strongly by Jesus |
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Matthew 23:12 (NIV)
“You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” — 2 Samuel 22:28 (ESV)
“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” — Proverbs 3:34 (NIV)
Warning for Today
Haughty eyes aren’t just a Bible-time issue. It’s easy to fall into pride when we compare ourselves to others, brag about success, or ignore correction.
Even in churches, people may serve or lead with proud hearts instead of humble ones. That’s why God warns us again and again:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” — Proverbs 3:7 (ESV)
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” — Isaiah 5:21 (NIV)
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” — Proverbs 27:2 (ESV)
How to Avoid Haughty Eyes
Here are a few simple ways to guard your heart from pride:
-
Pray for humility
Ask God to search your heart and help you stay humble. -
Serve others
When we focus on others’ needs, it keeps us from looking down on them. -
Stay teachable
Listen to correction. Admit when you're wrong. -
Read God’s Word
Scripture reminds us that we need God every single day. -
Boast only in the Lord
Keep your confidence in Him, not in yourself.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NIV)
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” — Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
God’s Promise to the Humble
Even when we struggle with pride, there’s hope. God gives grace to the humble.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6 (NIV)
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” — 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
When we repent and turn to Him with a humble heart, He draws near. He lifts us up—not for our glory, but for His.
