The Bible places great emphasis on humility, selflessness, and respect for others, promoting living a life that aligns with these virtues. It offers numerous teachings that denounce conceit and advises individuals on the consequences of such behavior. Given its importance, the aim of this summary is to provide a cogent understanding of what the Bible says about conceit.
What Does the Bible Say About Conceit?
The Bible considers conceit the epitome of arrogance and pride, a clear indication of one’s inflated self-perception. It speaks against individuals who are conceited, asserting that such behavior often leads to downfall. The Bible encourages people to approach life with humility, underlining that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. It offers numerous warnings about being self-centered and advises followers to focus on loving others instead of seeking self-gratification. The Bible also clarifies that conceit blinds a person to their flaws, hindering self-improvement and growth.
Why Does the Bible Caution Against Conceit?
The Bible warns against conceit because it distorts an individual’s perception of their self-worth. It teaches that individuals should not consider themselves superior to others, as everyone is equal in the eyes of God. The Bible cautions that prideful attitudes, including conceit, lead to strife and discord between people. Furthermore, it asserts that a conceited person shows a lack of respect for their creator who provided them with everything they have. The Bible reinforces that every achievment is a blessing from God and should be acknowledged with humility rather than becoming a source for self-aggrandizement.
Where Does the Bible Highlight the Consequences of Conceit?
The Bible highlights throughout its chapters that conceit can ultimately lead to one’s downfall. It warns that a conceited person sets themselves up for failure and disgrace since they rely on their self-righteous belief, which acts as a blinding veil from reality. The Bible emphasizes that only humility and a deep awareness of one’s own limitations can provide a true and lasting exaltation. It directly ties the concept of conceit to consequences like sin and dishonor, demonstrating a direct connection between a person’s arrogant behavior and the damage it can do to their spiritual health.
When is the Right Time for Humility According to the Bible?
The Bible suggests that the time for humility is always now. Throughout its teachings, it promotes consistent acts of kindness, compassion, and acceptance, advocating for humility in all aspects of life. The Bible encourages individuals to live with the understanding that they are not superior to others, prompting a perspective of equality and unity. Its teachings on humility aim to discourage behaviors of conceit and arrogance by reminding individuals of their place within a larger collective under God’s sovereignty. Therefore, putting others first and de-emphasizing one’s self-importance isn’t just occasional advice, it’s a perpetuating principle endorsed by the Bible.
Who Benefits from Understanding the Bible’s Perspective on Conceit?
Everyone benefits from understanding the Bible’s perspective on conceit. The teachings promote humility and considerateness, leading to harmonious interactions in society. Those who comprehend and apply these teachings are inclined to cultivate better relationships with their peers, resolving potential conflicts with grace and understanding. On a broader scale, societies stand to gain from this as it promotes unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among its citizens. Therefore, the Bible’s teachings on conceit are universally applicable, fostering a respectful and modest community.
Below is our full list of bible verses on conceit (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Conceit
Jeremiah 9:23
“23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:”
Romans 12:16
“16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Related Themes: Pride Humility Frustration Judging Others Attitude
Proverbs 3:7
“7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
Philippians 2:1-11
“1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Related Themes: Complaining Dating Criticism Serving Others Teamwork
Proverbs 3:5
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
Proverbs 26:12
“12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Related Themes: Pride Hope Boastfulness Selfishness Humility
Romans 1:22
“22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”
Related Themes: Technology Stupidity Pride
Proverbs 12:15
“15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Isaiah 5:21
“21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
Proverbs 26:5
“5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Galatians 6:3-4
“3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
Related Themes: Pride Reaping Reaping What You Sow Reputation Hypocrisy
Luke 18:12
“12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”
Related Themes: Fasting
Proverbs 23:4
“4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.”
Proverbs 26:16
“16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.”
Luke 18:11
“11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.”
Proverbs 28:11
“11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.”
Related Themes: Discernment Poverty Wisdom
Proverbs 28:26
“26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Ignorance Foolishness Trust Imagination
1 Timothy 6:2-5
“2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Discernment Joy Faith
Romans 11:25
“25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”
Amos 9:2
“2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Omnipresence Hell Omnipresence Earth
