Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the theme of humility versus pride is recurrent, with a clear emphasis on the necessity of humility in one's relationship with God. The Scriptures consistently illustrate that God resists the proud and that their prayers may go unanswered due to their haughty disposition.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible provides numerous passages that highlight the consequences of pride, particularly in the context of prayer. One of the most direct statements is found in the book of James: "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (
James 4:6). This verse underscores the principle that pride creates a barrier between individuals and God, hindering their prayers.
Similarly, in the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs offers wisdom on this subject: "The LORD detests all the proud of heart; be sure of this: They will not go unpunished" (
Proverbs 16:5). This passage suggests that the proud are not only distanced from God's favor but are also subject to His judgment, which can include unanswered prayers.
Examples from ScriptureThe account of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel serves as a poignant example of pride leading to divine resistance. Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance resulted in a period of humbling by God, during which his kingdom was taken from him until he acknowledged God's sovereignty (
Daniel 4:28-37). His account illustrates that pride can lead to a breakdown in communication with God, as it did until he repented and recognized God's authority.
In the New Testament, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (
Luke 18:9-14) further exemplifies this principle. The Pharisee's prayer, filled with self-righteousness and pride, contrasts sharply with the humble plea of the tax collector. Jesus concludes the parable by stating, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (
Luke 18:14). The tax collector's humility resulted in his justification before God, while the Pharisee's pride left him without divine approval.
Theological ImplicationsThe denial of answers to prayer for the proud is rooted in the character of God, who values humility and contrition.
Isaiah 57:15 declares, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" This passage reveals God's preference for those who approach Him with humility, suggesting that pride is incompatible with the divine nature.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the biblical teaching on pride and prayer serves as a call to self-examination and humility. Recognizing the dangers of pride, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility in their prayer lives, acknowledging their dependence on God and His grace. The apostle Peter advises, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you" (
1 Peter 5:6). This exhortation highlights the promise of divine favor and answered prayer for those who approach God with a humble heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Job 35:12,13There they cry, but none gives answer, because of the pride of evil men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Power of Prayer in Relation to Outward Circumstances.
... remind you how utterly the Saviour denied Himself all ... any special value to occasional
apparent answers that we ... who do not make such things subjects of prayer. ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/i the power of prayer.htm
The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ...
... strength, and feared lest he should be denied by Christ ... give back [reddituri] not
the [Lord's] Prayer, but the ... baptized, not in the form of answers to questions ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii the pious old man.htm
Letter ccxi. (AD 423. )
... another formerly wore, provided only that what is necessary be denied to no one ... who
refuses to forgive her sister expect to receive answers to prayer: as for ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxi a d 423.htm
Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Jerome answers the second, third, and fourth propositions of Jovinianus ... through fear
of a maid-servant denied Him ... The case is different if this prayer belongs to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm
John i. 19
... or reproach them with it, but answers them with ... was foretold by Moses?" and therefore
he denied not that ... soul, whether it find almsgiving, or prayer, or fasting ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm
God's Restraining Power.
... In it He answers Job out of the whirlwind, when he had complained, though reverently ...
And as to those gifts that seem to be denied to ourselves, let us ... Prayer. ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm
The Caroline Settlement
... It can hardly be denied that there is some justice in ... general and particular, as
well as the answers of the ... containing a long Litany or general prayer, and an ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm
Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... to us, and is always attainable by prayer; and closes ... the other, determined that
the Pelagians had denied this grace ... In a word, they approved his answers to them ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm
The Christ of the Gospels.
... It is he that talketh with thee," answers Jesus. ... Is there any subtle railing in the
prayer: "Our Father ... of his Apostles: let every thing else be denied, yet we ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm
Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... and his mother-in-law, and when he answers to the ... streets would cry out against me
if I denied my guilt ... John Bradford said, that when he was in prayer, he never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
