Pride and Humility Pride is a natural human response to success and achievement, and the world places great value on recognition and fame (see 1 Jn 2:16). Yet, pride is rooted in self-centeredness, and it often exists side by side with the diminishment of others. Scripture frequently cautions against pride and its destructive results, encouraging instead an attitude of humility. The book of Proverbs links humility with wisdom (see Prov 11:2), which has its foundation in the fear of the Lord (1:7), a recognition of God’s sovereignty and centrality. A humble person is able to recognize their mistakes and listen to another’s correction (10:17; 12:1). Pride, meanwhile, can block one’s ability to learn from others, leads to conflict (13:10), and results in disgrace (11:2). In the divine economy, pride results in destruction and humiliation while humility leads to honor (16:18; 18:12; 29:23). When Jesus was asked “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” he responded by pointing to the exemplary humility of a little child (Matt 18:1-5). On another occasion, Jesus told a parable that contrasted the prideful prayer of a religious leader and the humble prayer of a tax collector,...