The word haughty describes someone who is proud, arrogant, or looking down on others. The Bible speaks often about haughtiness, showing how dangerous it can be to the heart and to our relationship with God. A haughty spirit blinds a person to humility, and Scripture warns that pride comes before destruction.
What Does "Haughty" Mean?
To be haughty is more than having confidence. It is when confidence turns into arrogance, when someone lifts themselves above others and even above God. The haughty are often described as having “a high look” or “a proud heart.”
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
God’s View of Haughtiness
God does not ignore arrogance. Instead, He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Haughtiness builds walls between people and keeps them from depending on the Lord.
“For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low.” (Isaiah 2:12)
This verse shows that God will humble those who exalt themselves.
“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.” (Proverbs 21:4)
Haughtiness vs. Humility
The Bible often contrasts the haughty with the humble. Humility opens the way to God’s blessing, while arrogance shuts the door.
“Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.” (Psalm 138:6)
Being haughty is not just about how we treat others. It shows where our heart stands with God. If we are proud, we push Him away. If we are humble, we draw near to Him.
| Attitude | Result in Life | Bible Support |
|---|---|---|
| Haughty Spirit | Brings downfall | Proverbs 16:18 |
| Humble Heart | Brings honor and grace | James 4:6, Psalm 138:6 |
Jesus’ Teaching on Pride
Jesus also warned about haughtiness, especially among the religious leaders of His day. They loved to be seen as important, but Jesus pointed to humility as the true path.
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
This teaching is clear: lifting ourselves up will only lead to being brought down. But choosing humility leads to honor from God.
A Call to Humility
The Bible calls believers to leave behind haughtiness and live in humility. Paul reminded the church in Rome not to think too highly of themselves:
“Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” (Romans 12:16)
A humble spirit is not weakness. It is strength under God’s control. By walking in humility, we follow Christ’s example, who though He was God, humbled Himself to serve and to save.
