26 Examples of Pride in the Bible

The biblical stories of Paul, Moses, and Jonah are great examples of verses that explain what pride is and what an unrepentant heart leads to (destruction or grace).

In the story of Moses, God gave Pharaoh multiple chances to repent and he didn’t take it. In contrast, God gave Paul the chance to repent and he humbled himself and changed his behavior. Paul choose to humble himself and receive God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Remember, without repentance and changed behavior a prideful person is ultimately choosing sin.

26 Examples of Pride in the Bible

1. Lucifer’s Pride

Lucifer’s pride is a powerful warning about the dangers of elevating oneself above God. Initially a beautiful angel, his pride led him to desire God’s throne, saying, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13-14). His ambition to take God’s authority resulted in his fall and transformation into Satan.

Later, Satan tempted Jesus, offering Him the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:1-11), thinking he could tempt God’s perfect son and foil God’s plan. By having Jesus crucified, Satan believed he had won. However, Jesus’ death was part of God’s redemptive plan, showing that pride leads to destruction, and God’s will cannot be thwarted. (1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Related Article: 10 Lessons from the Life of Judas Iscariot

2. Arrogant Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was a powerful ruler who built immense statues and demanded that all people worship them. His arrogance led him to believe that his power and achievements were solely the result of his own greatness (Daniel 4:30). One day, he had a troubling dream, which Daniel interpreted as a warning from God about his pride (Daniel 4:19-27). Daniel told him that unless he repented, his kingdom would be taken from him (Daniel 4:27).

Despite this warning, Nebuchadnezzar did not humble himself and continued in his arrogance (Daniel 4:28-29). As a result, God allowed him to lose his mind and live like an animal for seven years (Daniel 4:33). Eventually, Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and praised God, acknowledging His sovereignty (Daniel 4:34-37). God restored his kingdom, showing that pride leads to downfall but humility opens the door to restoration and blessings (Daniel 4:36-37).

3. Defiant Pharaoh

Pharaoh’s pride and refusal to heed God’s command to release the Israelites from slavery exemplify the destructive nature of arrogance. Despite repeated warnings and demonstrations of God’s power through Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh remained stubborn. He saw himself as a god and refused to submit to the authority of the true God (Exodus 5:2).

When Moses’ staff turned into a serpent, Pharaoh’s magicians tried to mimic the miracle, but Moses’ serpent swallowed theirs, symbolizing that Pharaoh’s power was nothing compared to God’s (Exodus 7:10-12). Throughout the ten plagues, Pharaoh’s heart grew harder, and he refused to repent (Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:15). In the end, his pride led to the destruction of his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28). This story highlights how prideful defiance can lead to irreversible consequences, even in the face of clear evidence of God’s power (Exodus 14:30-31).

4. Self-Righteous Saul (Paul)

Before becoming the apostle Paul, Saul was a zealous Pharisee who believed that his strict adherence to the law made him righteous. He viewed himself as superior to others and was willing to persecute Christians, whom he saw as a threat to his understanding of Judaism. His prideful attitude blinded him to God’s true purpose of love and grace. However, on the road to Damascus, Saul was struck blind and confronted by Jesus, who asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

This encounter shattered Saul’s pride, leading to his conversion. He realized that all his achievements and righteousness were nothing compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. Paul, once prideful, became a humble servant, understanding that salvation is by grace, not by works. His transformation is a powerful testimony of how God can humble even the proudest hearts and use them for His glory.

Related Quiz: Am I prideful?

5. Entitled Jonah

Jonah was the prophet called to rebuke the Ninevites for their wickedness (Jonah 1:2). However, instead of obeying, Jonah fled, knowing that God was merciful and would forgive them if they repented (Jonah 4:2). After being swallowed by a whale, Jonah delivered God’s message, and to his surprise, the entire city, including the king, repented (Jonah 3:10). Jonah, however, was angered that God showed mercy to such wicked people, thinking they didn’t deserve it.

Through this, God taught Jonah about pride and entitlement—love is not earned or deserved, it is a gift (Jonah 4:10-11). Jonah didn’t earn his calling, yet God graciously chose him to bring others into His love. God used a plant to further reveal Jonah’s selfishness, showing that Jonah cared more about the plant than the people of Nineveh. This is a powerful lesson about how our behavior in trials reveals our true nature and need for God’s grace.

6. Power Hungry Eve

8. Cain and Abel

Cain’s pride was evident when he brought an inferior offering to God, thinking that it would be good enough. When God favored Abel’s sacrifice, Cain became jealous and angry, unable to accept that his offering had not met God’s standards. His pride wouldn’t allow him to humble himself and seek forgiveness or improvement. Instead of learning from Abel’s example, Cain’s pride pushed him to murder his brother in a desperate attempt to suppress Abel’s perceived superiority. This act of violence illustrates how unchecked pride can lead to devastating actions, as we become blinded by our own egos and unwilling to accept God’s judgment. (Genesis 4:3-5)

9. Judgmental Michal

Michal, the wife of King David, shows how pride can lead to judgment and scorn. In 2 Samuel 6, when David danced before the Lord, celebrating the return of the Ark, Michal watched from a window and despised him. She thought his joyful dancing was beneath him as king and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants!” (2 Samuel 6:20).

David responded that he would be even more undignified in worshiping the Lord. Michal’s pride made her focus on what she thought was proper instead of recognizing the heart behind David’s worship. Because of her pride and judgment, Michal was barren for the rest of her life (2 Samuel 6:23). Her story teaches us that pride can make us blind to what God is doing in others.

Related Article: 10 Characteristics of a King in the Bible

10. David’s Pride (Adulterer)

King David’s pride showed in his affair with Bathsheba. Despite having everything as king, his pride led him to take Bathsheba, even though she was married (2 Samuel 11:2-4). When she became pregnant, David tried to cover up his sin by having her husband, Uriah, killed (2 Samuel 11:14-17). His actions caused great pain, including the death of their child (2 Samuel 12:15). David’s story reminds us that unchecked pride can lead to moral failure and lasting consequences. Though he repented, it took years for him to reconcile with God and others (Psalm 51:10-12).

11. Peninnah and Hannah

12. Potiphar’s Wife (False Accusation)

In Genesis 39, Potiphar’s wife exemplifies how pride leads to deceit and injustice. When Joseph, a trusted servant, rejected her advances, she became angry and falsely accused him of assault (Genesis 39:14-15). Her pride, wounded by rejection, led her to ruin Joseph’s life with a lie. Potiphar, likely aware of Joseph’s excellent character, as he had entrusted him with overseeing his entire household (Genesis 39:6), may have struggled to accept his wife’s betrayal.

Despite knowing Joseph’s integrity, Potiphar, in his pride, chose to believe his wife’s accusation and had Joseph thrown into prison (Genesis 39:19-20). This shows how pride can cloud judgment, making people protect their reputation over truth. Despite the injustice, Joseph’s faithfulness to God eventually led to his rise in power, proving that God’s justice prevails (Genesis 41:14-16).

Related Quiz: Do you struggle with Vanity?

13. The Pharisees

The Pharisees in Matthew 23 exemplify pride by focusing on outward appearance while neglecting inner holiness. Jesus rebukes them for seeking public admiration through loud prayers and elaborate robes, yet their hearts were far from God (Matthew 23:5-7). Their pride blinded them to their own sin and the message of grace Jesus offered. In contrast, Jesus highlights the humility of a tax collector who prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

This pride led them to miss the Messiah, whom they claimed to wait for. Their rejection of Jesus and His message mirrors the religious leaders’ prideful actions in having Him killed, despite knowing He was innocent (Matthew 27:24-25). They refused to accept Him, even refusing to take the blood money they gave Judas, showing their deep pride and hypocrisy. This story reminds us that external actions can never replace a humble heart that seeks God.

14. The Tower of Babel

15. King Saul’s Disobedience

King Saul’s pride is evident in his fear, impatience, and need for control, which led him to act outside of God’s will. His actions reflect a deep insecurity and a reliance on self instead of trusting God. Saul repeatedly sought validation from others, letting jealousy and fear dictate his decisions. His example serves as a warning of the dangers of pride, self-reliance, and seeking approval from others instead of finding confidence in God.

Examples of Saul’s Pride:

• Disobeyed Samuel’s Instructions (1 Samuel 10:8): Saul acted impulsively by offering a sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel, showing his lack of patience and self-reliance.
• Jealous of David’s Success (1 Samuel 18:6-7): Saul became angry and fearful when the people praised David more than him, revealing his insecurity.
• Attempted to Kill David (1 Samuel 18:10-11): Saul’s jealousy and fear led him to try to kill David twice when he saw God’s favor on him.
• Plotted to Use Michal to Kill David (1 Samuel 18:17-21): Saul tried to use his daughter Michal to trap David in battle, illustrating his ongoing insecurity and desire to control David’s fate.

16. The Rich Fool

In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, a man whose pride in his material wealth led him to make foolish decisions. The man had such an abundant harvest that he decided to build bigger barns to store his grain, thinking to himself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.” His prideful attitude led him to believe that his wealth and comfort would secure his future.

But that very night, God called him to account for his life, asking, “This very night your life will be demanded from you.” The rich fool’s pride in his wealth blinded him to the reality that life is uncertain and that true security comes not from possessions, but from a relationship with God. His story is a warning to all who place their trust in material wealth or self-sufficiency. It reminds us that pride in our accomplishments can lead to self-deception and a failure to recognize our dependence on God for every breath we take.

Related Quiz: Am I prideful?

17. Abimelech and King David 

Abimelech’s prideful attitude showed when he believed that he could rule and lead better than his father, King David. Abimelech assumed that he understood the situation better and disregarded his father’s wisdom and experience. This prideful thinking led him to make decisions independently, without acknowledging the importance of the guidance David had provided. Abimelech’s arrogance, rooted in his belief that he could outperform his father, eventually caused division and conflict. His actions demonstrate how pride distorts our perception of our abilities, leading us to overestimate our own wisdom while failing to respect the insights of others. (2 Samuel 11:21)

18. Moses and the Holy Spirit

When Moses learned that others were prophesying and receiving the Holy Spirit, he initially reacted with concern, fearing that they might surpass him. His response revealed a deeper pride, rooted in insecurity and a desire to maintain control over who received God’s gifts. Moses was so worried about his own position and authority that he didn’t immediately recognize God’s ability to empower others. However, when he acknowledged that God’s Spirit could rest on others, he humbly accepted it, illustrating that God’s calling doesn’t depend on one person’s authority. Pride often blinds us to God’s broader plan, leading us to guard our positions out of fear rather than faith. (Numbers 11:28-29)

19. Joseph’s Brothers

Joseph’s brothers were deeply envious of the favor their father Jacob showed him. When Joseph received a special coat, a symbol of their father’s love, they felt their own importance was threatened. The prideful resentment grew as Joseph shared dreams that suggested he would one day rule over them. Instead of celebrating Joseph’s success, his brothers’ pride led them to plot his downfall, hoping to diminish him and protect their own sense of superiority. They were unwilling to humble themselves and accept that God had a different plan for Joseph. Their jealousy clouded their judgment, ultimately leading to a series of tragic decisions that separated them from their brother for many years. (Genesis 37:4)

Related Quiz: Am I prideful?

20. King Darius 

King Darius, though initially deceived by his officials into issuing the decree against prayer, acted in pride by seeking to elevate his own power. He reluctantly ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den after Daniel continued to pray to God. However, after seeing God protect Daniel, Darius humbled himself and acknowledged God’s sovereignty, issuing a decree that everyone should fear the God of Daniel. (Daniel 6:1-23)

21-26. King David’s Sons

King David had several sons, some of whom demonstrated prideful attitudes and actions that caused division, conflict, and even tragedy. Many of David’s sons sought power or recognition, which led to actions that directly or indirectly threatened the unity of the kingdom. Below are some key sons of King David, their prideful behavior, and their outcomes.

• Amnon’s pride led him to commit a grievous act by raping his half-sister, Tamar, causing division and ultimately his death at the hands of his brother, Absalom. (2 Samuel 13)
• Absalom’s ambition and pride drove him to rebel against his father, King David, in an attempt to usurp the throne, but he was defeated and killed in battle. (2 Samuel 15-18)
• Adonijah sought the throne by declaring himself king while David was still alive, but his pride led to his execution by Solomon. (1 Kings 1-2)
• Abimelech’s pride led him to assume the throne after his father’s death, causing conflict with David, and he was eventually assassinated. (2 Samuel 2:8-11)
• Solomon’s pride, fueled by his wealth and power, led him to stray from God by marrying foreign women and worshiping idols, which caused division in Israel after his reign. (1 Kings 11)