Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5961 superiority

A sense of being of greater importance or value in comparison with others, which can lead to arrogance and boasting.

Superiority is a characteristic of the wicked person

It is the product of human pride

Proverbs 21:24; 3Jn 9 See also 2 Chronicles 26:16; Psalm 73:3-9; Isaiah 3:16; Isaiah 9:9-10; Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:4; 2 Peter 2:10

It involves looking down on others

1 Samuel 17:42; Luke 18:9-14 See also Genesis 16:4-5; 1 Samuel 10:27; 2 Samuel 6:16 pp 1 Chronicles 15:29; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 101:5; Psalm 123:3-4; Proverbs 15:20; Proverbs 23:22; Amos 5:10

It gives rise to boasting

Esther 5:11; Acts 8:9 See also 1 Kings 20:11; Isaiah 16:6; Ezekiel 28:2; Daniel 7:8; Hosea 12:8; Matthew 26:33-35; James 3:5; Jude 16

God hates superior behaviour and will judge it

Isaiah 2:11-12; 1 Peter 5:5 See also 1 Samuel 2:3; 2 Samuel 22:28; Job 20:6-7; Proverbs 3:11; Proverbs 16:5,18; Proverbs 21:4; Isaiah 2:17; Isaiah 10:12; Isaiah 13:11,19; Isaiah 23:9; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Ob 12-13; Matthew 18:10; Romans 11:17-18; Romans 14:3,10; 1 Corinthians 1:20-25; 1 Timothy 3:6; Timothy 6:17; Revelation 18:7-8

The attitude of the godly is not superior

They demonstrate a proper humility

Psalm 131:1; Philippians 2:3 See also Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 4:6-7; Philippians 2:4-8

Jesus Christ's advice to those who aspire to greatness

Matthew 20:20-28 pp Mark 10:35-45 See also John 13:12-17

See also

2069  Christ, pre-eminence
5793  arrogance
5813  conceit
5848  exaggeration
5888  inferiority
6121  boasting
8276  humility
8790  oppression
8802  pride
8815  ridicule
8824  self-righteousness