A biblical understanding of pride shows it as the root of many sins, a self-worship that directly opposes God, who "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). A life of humility, patterned after Christ, is the antidote to this insidious vice. This guide offers a Bible study and devotion to help you identify pride in your own heart and cultivate a humble spirit. 

Bible study: The path of pride versus the walk of humility

Opening Prayer: Begin with a moment of prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden pride in your heart and to guide you toward a deeper understanding of humility. 

1. The deceptive nature of pride

• Read: Proverbs 16:2 and Proverbs 21:2.
• Discuss:

• According to these verses, why is pride so difficult to identify in ourselves?
• Can you recall a time when you were certain of your own motives, only to discover later that pride was at play?

• Read: Daniel 5:18–21 (King Belshazzar's example).
• Discuss:

• What parallels do you see between Belshazzar's behavior and the way pride can manifest in our own lives?
• How did God respond to Belshazzar's proud heart? 

2. The consequence of pride

• Read: Proverbs 16:18 and \.
• Discuss:

• What are the outcomes of pride listed in these passages?
• How does pride create disgrace and dishonor?

• Read: Genesis 11:1–9 (The Tower of Babel).
• Discuss:

• What was the motivation of the people building the tower?
• How was God's humbling of the people an act of grace, not just punishment? 

3. The humility of Christ

• Read: Philippians 2:3–8.
• Discuss:

• What does it mean to "count others more significant than yourselves"?
• How does Christ's example defy the world's understanding of greatness?
• In what ways did Jesus empty himself?

• Read: Luke 14:7–11.
• Discuss:

• What is the central lesson of Jesus's parable about seeking the lowest place?
• What does it mean to be "exalted" by God? 

4. Overcoming pride and embracing humility

• Read: James 4:6–10 and 1 Peter 5:5–6.
• Discuss:

• What is God's posture toward the proud and the humble?
• What are the specific action steps we are called to take to grow in humility?

• Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10.
• Discuss:

• The apostle Paul boasted in his weakness. How is this the opposite of pride?
• How can embracing our weakness for God's glory be a remedy for pride?

Devotion: The boast of the humble

Scripture: For the full scripture passage, please refer to Crossway. 

Reflection:
Pride is self-worship. Jeremiah 9 suggests that worldly boasting in wisdom, might, or riches is empty. True boasting is in knowing the Lord, and the antidote to pride is a deep relationship with God. 

Journaling questions:

• What is the current object of your boast? Is it your talent, your job, your reputation?
• What would it look like to shift your boasting from yourself to the Lord in a practical way this week?
• Read Psalm 131:1. How can you, like David, quiet your heart before the Lord and stop occupying yourself with "things too great and too marvelous for me"? 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, search my heart and show me where pride has taken root. Forgive me for taking credit for what you have done and for exalting myself above others. I lay down my own wisdom, my own strength, and my own possessions at your feet. I ask that my greatest boast would be in knowing you—your unfailing love, your perfect justice, and your glorious righteousness. Humble me, Lord, and help me walk in a manner worthy of your grace. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.