Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Arrogance, often synonymous with pride, is a sin characterized by an inflated sense of one's own importance, abilities, or achievements. It is a disposition that elevates the self above others and, more grievously, above God. In the biblical context, arrogance is not merely a personality flaw but a spiritual failing that disrupts one's relationship with God and others.
Biblical References:The Bible frequently addresses the sin of arrogance, warning against its destructive nature.
Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows arrogance, emphasizing the spiritual and moral peril it brings.
In the New Testament,
James 4:6 declares, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This passage underscores God's active resistance to the proud, contrasting it with His favor towards the humble, thus illustrating the spiritual consequences of arrogance.
Examples in Scripture:The Bible provides numerous examples of arrogance leading to downfall. One of the most notable is the account of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel. In
Daniel 4:30 , Nebuchadnezzar boasts, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His arrogance results in God humbling him, demonstrating the divine response to human pride.
Another example is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in
Luke 18:9-14. The Pharisee's self-righteous arrogance is contrasted with the humility of the tax collector, illustrating the spiritual blindness that arrogance can cause and the justification that comes through humility.
Theological Implications:Arrogance is fundamentally a rejection of God's sovereignty and an assertion of self-sufficiency. It is a sin that distorts the created order, placing the creature above the Creator.
Isaiah 2:11 warns, "The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." This prophetic declaration points to the ultimate humbling of all human pride before the majesty of God.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, arrogance breeds discord and strife.
Proverbs 13:10 notes, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." Arrogance disrupts community and fellowship, as it fosters an environment of competition and division rather than unity and love.
Practical Application:Believers are called to cultivate humility as an antidote to arrogance.
Philippians 2:3 exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This call to humility is not merely a personal virtue but a reflection of Christ's own character, as seen in His incarnation and sacrificial love.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not explicitly list arrogance as one of the seven deadly sins, its pervasive presence and destructive consequences are evident throughout Scripture. The sin of arrogance is a barrier to spiritual growth and communion with God, necessitating a continual posture of repentance and humility before the Lord.