Pride Explained

Pride – The purpose of this page is to provide an index and compilation of Bible verses that address pride and humility. Pride can be viewed as the most fundamental sin since it seeks to exalt itself above God and His law. Because of sin, all people have a certain amount of pride, but it is important to battle this sin by being in the word of God and prayer on a continual basis.

Pride Labeled as a Personality Disorder by the World

Lifted up, Exalted, High, High Places

Old Testament Examples of High Places (H1116)

Spiritual Significance of ‘High Places’ – God and His Dwelling Place

Satan’s Desire to Exalt Himself to a High Place

Man’s Desire to Exalt Himself – The Tower of Babylon

Pride is a High Place (H1361-H1365 and H7311-7319)

The New Testament Definition of a High Place (Eph 6:12 and 2 Cor 13:3-5)

Swelling, Inflated, Puffed up, Seethe/Boil

Swelling – H1341, H1343, H1344, H1346, H1347

Seethe / Boil – H2086, H2087, H2102, H2103

Blowing / puffed up / inflated – G5448 (think one is bigger, better or more important that one is)

Enveloped with smoke – G5187 (obscure one’s faults)

Over-shining (drawing attention to / promoting oneself)

Bragging

G212 – alazon: G213 (boast / self-confidence)

G4068 – (boast, going beyond, exaggerate)

Humility

Lowly, debased (G5011, G5012, G5013, 5014)

Humility is often compared to pride as being lowly

The Depravity of Man

All People are Under the Sway of Sin

Slavery to Sin

The Salvation of the Humble / Contrite Spirit / Brokenhearted

Brokenhearted

Trembling at God’s Word

Pride Labeled as a Personality Disorder by the World

Even the world’s psychology has identified pride as a ‘personality disorder’. Here is an excerpt from a Wikipedia article entitled ‘Narcissistic Personality Disorder’:

People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are characterized by persistent grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and a personal disdain and lack of empathy for others. As such, the person with NPD usually displays arrogance and a distorted sense of superiority, and they seek to establish abusive power and control over others. Self-confidence (a strong sense of self) is different from narcissistic personality disorder; people with NPD typically value themselves over others to the extent that they openly disregard the feelings and wishes of others, and expect to be treated as superior, regardless of their actual status or achievements. Moreover, the person with narcissistic personality disorder usually exhibits a fragile ego (self-concept), intolerance of criticism, and a tendency to belittle others in order to validate their own superiority.

The DSM-5 indicates that persons with NPD usually display some or all of the following symptoms, typically without the commensurate qualities or accomplishments.

Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from other people
Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
Self-perception of being unique, superior, and associated with high-status people and institutions
Needing continual admiration from others
Sense of entitlementto special treatment and to obedience from others
Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
Unwilling to empathize with the feelings, wishes, and needs of other people
Intensely envious of others, and the belief that others are equally envious of them
Pompous and arrogant demeanor

The causes of narcissistic personality disorder are unknown. Experts tend to apply a biopsychosocial model of causation, meaning that a combination of environmental, social, genetic and neurobiological factors are likely to play a role in formulating a narcissistic personality.

Lifted up, Exalted, High, High Places

Old Testament Examples of High Places (H1116)

Although on the surface, it is easy to disregard this sin in today’s modern world since we do not generally see the prevalence of worship being performed in physically elevated areas. However, we must understand the Bible’s teaching on high places in the Bible and that the occurrences that occurred in the Old Testament were written for our admonition (1 Cor 10:11). In the Old Testament, high places (Hebrew word H1116, ‘bamah’) were physically elevated places where people could worship and give sacrifices to their gods. However, these high places provoked God to anger (Ps 78:58, see also Lev 26:30). Below are some examples of ‘high places’ in the Old Testament.

Heathen nations often worshipped their gods or perform other religious practices in high places:

Moab – Is 15:2, 16:12, Jer 48:35, Num 21:28, 22:41, 33:52, Deut 32:13
Baal worship – Jer 19:5-6, 32:35, Num 22:41

Because there was no house of God built yet, kings Saul, David and Solomon often regarded high places as spiritually significant:

Saul (with Samuel) performed sacrifices – 1 Sam 9:12-14, 19, 25
Prophets came down from high places to meet Saul – 1 Sam 10:5, 13
Saul and Jonathan slain – 2 Sam 1:19- 25
David with Zadok the priest prior to building temple at Gibeon – 1 Chr 16:39, 21:29
Solomon at Gibeon – 2 Chr 1:3, 13
Solomon built for Chemosh and Molech (god of the Moabites and Ammonites) – 1 Ki 11:7

Bad kings of Israel / Judah set up / worshipped at high places:

Jeroboam (4^th king of Israel) set up high places which were never completely removed – 1 Ki 12:31-32, 13:2, 13:32-33, 2 Chr 11:15
Jehoram (8^th king of Judah) – 2 Chr 21:11
Ahaz (15^th king of Judah) – 2 Ki 16:4, 2 Chr 28:4, 5
Israel exiled in part due to high places – 2 Ki 17:9-11
After exile of Israel (northern 10 tribes), Samaritans continued to worship in high places – 2 Ki 17:29-32
Manasseh built again high places -2 Ki 21:3, 2 Chr 33:3, 17
Jerusalem considered to be ‘high place’ of Judah where sin occurred – Micah 1:5, 3:12, Jer 26:18

Good kings of Judah which removed high places:

Asa (6^th king) – removed from Judah (2 Chr 14:3-5), but left in Israel (2 Chr 15:17)
Hezekiah (16^th king) – removed high places (2 Chr 31:1, 32:12, 32:19)
Josiah (19^th king) – removed high places in Judah and Israel (2 Ki 23:5-20, 2 Chr 34:3, 15-20)

Good kings of Judah which did not remove high places:

Jehoshaphat (7^th king) – 21 Ki 22:43, 2 Chr 20:33
Uzziah (13^th king) – 2 Ki 15:3-4
Jotham (15^th king) – 2 Ki 15:35

Prophets who condemned worshipping in high places:

Micah – Micah 1:3, 1:5, 3:12
Amos – Amos 4:13, 7:9
Isaiah – Is 36:7
Jeremiah – Jer 7:31, 19:5-6, 26:18, 32:35
Ezekiel – Ezekiel 6:3, 6:6, 16:16, 16:24-25, 20:29, 36:2

Spiritual Significance of ‘High Places’ – God and His Dwelling Place

In order to understand the spiritual significance of ‘high places’, it is important to compare Scripture with Scripture. As mentioned previously, the Hebrew word for ‘High Place’ is bamah (H1116) which appears about 100 times in the Old Testament. However, this word can also be related to other Hebrew words that indicate high, lofty places (H1361-H1365 and H7311-7319), which appear in several hundred other places in the Old Testament. We find that these other Hebrew words are also used to described high places where false worship took place (e.g., high hills – Eze 6:13, 20:28, 34:6, Deut 12:2, Is 2:11-17).

A high place in the Old Testament can also refer to God and Jesus:

God is exalted / holy – Is 5:16
In Ps 113:4, we find that it is Lord (i.e., the LORD) who is high above all, whose glory is above the heavens – Ps 113:4
It is the LORD God who dwells on high – Ps 113:5-7
Lord is exalted above the heavens -Ps 108:5
Lord is referred to as the Most High God – Ps 50:14, 46:4, 73:11, Mk 5:7, Lk 8:28, Acts 16:17, etc.
Lord’s ways are higher than our ways – Is 55:9
Lord is seated on a throne and is high and lifted up – Is 6:1
The servant (Jesus) shall be exalted and be very high – Is 52:13 (see also, Eph 4:8-10, Ro 8:34, Eph 2:4-7, Col 3:1-3, etc.)
God is exalted – 2 Sam 22;47, Ps 18:46, 21;13, 46:10, 57:5, 57:11, 108:5
God’s name is high – Neh 9:5
Lord built his sanctuary on high – Ps 78:69
Lord high above the people, He dwells on high– Ps 113:4-5

A high place can also refer to heaven itself:

As the heavens are higher than the earth – Is 55:9 (see also Ps 103:11)
High as heaven – Job 11:8
Earth is referred to as ‘beneath’ heaven – Ex 20:4, Deut 4:39, 5:8, Josh 2:11, 1 Ki 8:23, Is 51:6, Acts 2:19
High place, where God dwells with him of a contrite and humble spirit – Is 57:15
Heaven is high above the earth – Ps 103:11
Lord high above His people – Ps 99:2 Ps 113:4)

Satan’s Desire to Exalt Himself to a High Place

When we examine the Scripture, we find that Satan also desired to lift himself into the ‘high place’:

Satan desires to ascend above the heights (Hebrew word bamah) to be like the Most High God – Is 14:14 (see also 2Th 2:4)
Nebuchadnezzar (type of Satan) – like a lifted tree high to heaven – Dan 4:10-11, 20, 37
King of Tyre (Satan) lifted up in his beauty – Eze 28:2, 5, 17
The man of sin exalts himself above God – 2 Th 2:4
A messenger of Satan given to Paul so he would not be exalted above measure – 2 Cor 12:7

Man’s Desire to Exalt Himself – The Tower of Babylon

Another important Bible passage is the historical lesson about the Tower of Babel (a.k.a., Babylon). This passage is found in Gen 11:1-9. The purpose of the Tower of Babel was to build a tower whose height would reach to heaven so the people could make a name for themselves (Gen 11:4). This was a Biblical portrait of man, in his pride, desiring to reach into heaven and work his way up to God, salvation and a ‘higher consciousness’. This brings us to our next very important fact concerning high places.

Pride is a High Place (H1361-H1365 and H7311-7319)

Throughout the Bible (Old and New Testaments), to be high or lofty is also a symbolic reference of being prideful. The word translated pride in many cases is the same word translated elsewhere as high or lofty. Similarly, the words translated as humble usually refer to being in a low place. As those who wished to build the Tower of Babel, so too are the proud:

Bible passages regarding pride being a ‘high place’:

Uzziah’s heart lifted up in pride – 2 Chr 26:16
Hezekiah’s heart was lifted up, but he humbled himself – 2 Chr 32:25-26
Pharoah (as a high cedar tree_ lifted up in pride – Eze 31:3, 5, 10
David’s heart not haughty, nor his eyes lofty, he did not exercise himself in things too high for him – Ps 131:1
Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty (high) – Pr 18:12
Daughters of Zion haughty (high) – Is 3:16
Sodom had pride, fullness of bread, idleness, they were haughty (high) and committed abomination – Eze 16:49-50
God’s people to no more be haughty – Zeph 3:11
Edom prideful; made nest as high as the eagle – Jer 49:16 (Job 39:27)
They who have a high look and a proud heart will be cut off – Ps 11:5
Everyone proud (high) in heart is an abomination to the Lord – Pr 16:5
The patient in spirit is better than the proud (High) in spirit – Ecc 7:8
The wicked through pride (high) do not seek God – Ps 10:4
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty (high) spirit before a fall – Pr 16:18
Eyes of the lofty shall be humbled – Is 5:15, Is 10:33
Loftiness of a man shall be bowed down and haughtiness made low – Is 2:11
People will say their hand is high and God has not done all – Deut 32:27
The lofty looks of man shall be humbled and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down – Is 2:11, Is 2:17
Moab was haughty – Jer 48:29
A high look and a proud heart…is sin – Pr 21:4
Belshazzar’s heart lifted up in pride – Dan 5:19-23

The New Testament Definition of a High Place (Eph 6:12 and 2 Cor 13:3-5)

Eph 6:12 and 2 Cor 13:3-5 are key verses in order to understand the applicability of ‘high places’ for us today:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(Eph 6:12)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(2Co 10:3-5)

In these verses, we find two passages that specifically discuss the Christian’s battle with ‘high places’. In these verses, we find that we do not was against people, governments, politics, ‘the system’ or anything else carnal. Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare against spiritual darkness / wickedness in high places. That is, just as we previously studied, Satan seeks to exalt himself against God (Is 14:14) we find that we are similarly tempted by Satan to sin and follow the ways of the world (of which he rules – 2 Cor 4:4).

Specifically, in 2 Cor 10:5, we find that high things are they that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. We must continually follow God through His Word, Jesus. We find that Word of God written in the pages of our Bible. The word ‘imaginations’ in 2 Cor 10:5 is the Greek word ‘logismos’, which could also be translated as arguments or beliefs. Therefore, the high places today refer to the false religions, false doctrine, new age and worldly philosophies that are not in accord with the truths of the Bible. Just as the ‘high places’ in the Old Testament were a false form of worshipping and knowing God, so too we must strive to find the true God. We must tremble in humility at His Word (s 66:2).

Swelling, Inflated, Puffed up, Seethe/Boil

Swelling – H1341, H1343, H1344, H1346, H1347

We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.
(Isa 16:6)

Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
(Job 40:11)

Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
(Job 40:12)

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
(Psa 94:2)

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
(Psa 140:5)

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
(Pro 15:25)

Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
(Pro 16:19)

For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
(Isa 2:12)

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.
(Jer 48:29)

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
(Pro 8:13)

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
(Deu 33:26)

Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
(Deu 33:29)

His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal.
(Job 41:15)

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
(Psa 10:2)

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
(Psa 31:18)

O love () the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
(Psa 31:23)

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
(Psa 36:11)

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
(Psa 46:3)

Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.
(Psa 68:34)

Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
(Psa 73:6)

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
(Pro 14:3)

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
(Pro 29:23)

And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
(Isa 9:9)

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
(Isa 13:3)

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
(Isa 13:11)

We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.
(Isa 16:6)

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.
(Isa 25:11)

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.
(Jer 48:29)

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
(Zep 3:11)

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
(Exo 15:7)

And I will break () the pride of your power; and I will make () your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:
(Lev 26:19)

There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.
(Job 35:12)

After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
(Job 37:4)

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
(Job 38:11)

Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
(Job 40:10)

He shall choose () our inheritance for us,() the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
(Psa 47:4)

For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
(Psa 59:12)

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
(Pro 8:13)

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
(Pro 16:18)

Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
(Isa 2:10)

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
(Isa 2:19)

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
(Isa 2:21)

In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
(Isa 4:2)

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
(Isa 13:11)

And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew () Sodom and Gomorrah.
(Isa 13:19)

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
(Isa 14:11)

We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so.
(Isa 16:6)

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.
(Isa 23:9)

They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea.
(Isa 24:14)

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
(Isa 60:15)

If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
(Jer 12:5)

Thus saith the LORD, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.
(Jer 13:9)

We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.
(Jer 48:29)

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
(Jer 49:19)

Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan unto the habitation of the strong: but I will make them suddenly run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
(Jer 50:44)

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.
(Eze 7:20)

Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess () their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.
(Eze 7:24)

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
(Eze 16:49)

For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy pride,
(Eze 16:56)

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane () my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.
(Eze 24:21)

Thus saith the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.
(Eze 30:6)

At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there () the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.
(Eze 30:18)

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil () the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.
(Eze 32:12)

For I will lay () the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through.
(Eze 33:28)

And the pride of Israel doth testify to his face: therefore shall Israel and Ephraim fall in their iniquity; Judah also shall fall with them.
(Hos 5:5)

And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this.
(Hos 7:10)

The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor () the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.
(Amo 6:8)

The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
(Amo 8:7)

And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
(Mic 5:4)

For the LORD hath turned away () the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.
(Nah 2:2)

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.
(Zep 2:10)

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
(Zec 9:6)

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.
(Zec 10:11)

There is a voice of the howling of the shepherds; for their glory is spoiled: a voice of the roaring of young lions; for the pride of Jordan is spoiled.
(Zec 11:3)

Seethe / Boil – H2086, H2087, H2102, H2103

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
(Psa 19:13)

O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
(Psa 86:14)

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
(Psa 119:21)

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
(Psa 119:51)

The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
(Psa 119:69)

Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
(Psa 119:78)

The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.
(Psa 119:85)

Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(Psa 119:122)

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
(Pro 21:24)

And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
(Isa 13:11)

Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:
(Jer 43:2)

And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
(Mal 3:15)

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, () saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
(Mal 4:1)

And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
(Deu 17:12)

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
(Deu 18:22)

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know () thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
(1Sa 17:28)

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
(Pro 11:2)

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
(Pro 13:10)

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
(Pro 21:24)

Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.
(Jer 49:16)

Behold, I am against thee, O thou most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time that I will visit thee.
(Jer 50:31)

And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.
(Jer 50:32)

Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded.
(Eze 7:10)

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?
(Oba 1:3)

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:
(Gen 25:29)

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
(Exo 18:11)

But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
(Exo 21:14)

So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against () the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill.
(Deu 1:43)

And all the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.
(Deu 17:13)

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, () which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
(Deu 18:20)

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
(Neh 9:10)

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened () their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
(Neh 9:16)

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
(Neh 9:29)

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.
(Jer 50:29)

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
(Dan 5:20)

Blowing / puffed up / inflated – G5448 (think one is bigger, better or more important that one is)

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
(1Co 4:6)

Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
(1Co 4:18)

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
(1Co 4:19)

And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
(1Co 5:2)

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
(1Co 8:1)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1Co 13:4)

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(Col 2:18)

Enveloped with smoke – G5187 (obscure one’s faults)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
(1Ti 3:6)

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

(1Ti 6:3-5)

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
(2Ti 3:4)

Over-shining (drawing attention to / promoting oneself)

Overshine – G5243, G5244 (huperephania)

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
(Mar 7:22)

He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(Luk 1:51)

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(Rom 1:30)

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(2Ti 3:2)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
(Jas 4:6)

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
(1Pe 5:5)

Bragging

G212 – alazon: G213 (boast / self-confidence)

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
(Jas 4:16)

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
(1Jn 2:16)

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(Rom 1:30)

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(2Ti 3:2)

G4068 – (boast, going beyond, exaggerate)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
(1Co 13:4)

Humility

Lowly, debased (G5011, G5012, G5013, 5014)

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(Mat 11:29)

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
(Luk 1:52)

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
(Rom 12:16)

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
(2Co 7:6)

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am() base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
(2Co 10:1)

() Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
(Jas 1:9)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
(Jas 4:6)

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
(Act 20:19)

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
(Eph 4:2)

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
(Php 2:3)

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
(Col 2:18)

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
(Col 2:23)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
(Col 3:12)

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 18:4)

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
(Mat 23:12)

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be( ) made smooth;
(Luk 3:5)

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(Luk 14:11)

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(Luk 18:14)

() Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
(2Co 11:7)

And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
(2Co 12:21)

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(Php 2:8)

() I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: () every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
(Php 4:12)

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
(Jas 4:10)

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
(1Pe 5:6)

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
(Luk 1:48)

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
(Act 8:33)

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
(Php 3:21)

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
(Jas 1:10)

Humility is often compared to pride as being lowly

A man’s pride shall bring him low – Pr 29:23
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud – Pr 16:19
When pride comes, there comes shame. But, with the lowly is wisdom – Pr 11:2
The Lord has put down the mighty from seats and exalted them of low degree – Lk 1:52
O thou Capernaum, which are exalted un to heaven shall be brought down to hell – Mat 11:23 (see also Lk 10:15)
Parables of Pharisee and Tax Collector and Wedding Feast – Everyone that exalts himself will be abased, and everyone that humbles himself will be exalted – Lk 18:14, Lk 14:11 (se also Mat 23:12)
Serving the Lord with all humility of mind – Acts 20:19
Be clothed with humility (lowly in mind), for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble…humble yourself…that He may exalt you in due time – 1 Pet 5:5-6 (see also James 4:6)
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves – Phil 2:3
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself (lowly mind) and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Wherefore God has highly exalted Him… – Phil 2:8-9
Put on humbleness (lowly) of mind – Col 3:12
Mind not high things, but condescend t men of low estate – Ro 12:16
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that is exalted…but the rich who is made low – James 1:9-10
God comforts those who are cast down – 2 Cor 7:6
Take my yoke upon you, for I am lowly and meek – Mat 11:29

The Depravity of Man

Humankind in its natural state is depraved and unable to be pleasing in God’s sight. By depraved, it is meant that man’s efforts to participate in his salvation are completely unpleasing in the sight of God. The following scripture is a classic to illustrate the depravity of man:

What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise; for we have before proved both Jews and gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written. There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known. Their is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be guilty before God.. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall be no flesh justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin….For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Ro 3:9-20,23 (see also Ps 14:1-3)

As can be seen in this Scripture, there is no one who God sees as righteous. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The Scripture is clear that no work that man can do can merit him salvation (see Titus 3:5, Gal 2:16, 2 Tim 1:9, Eph 2:8-9, etc). In man’s natural state, he does not seek after God, nor does he understand the ways of God. In this chapter, it will be seen from Scripture that man’s works are displeasing to God and earn man no merit whatsoever. Because of the free will teaching that there is a spark of goodness in man (i.e. that man makes a spiritually good decision to believe), it is imperative that the groundwork of the depravity of man be laid. In the following 2 chapters, it will be seen that man has no ‘spark of goodness’ to exercise his free will in order to accept Christ and be saved.

All People are Under the Sway of Sin

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered the word, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all men have sinned

Ro 5:12

People are brought into the world already having a sin nature. They bear the original guilt that was passed on through Adam, the physical father of all living. The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 51:5 that we were brought forth in iniquity and in sin were we conceived. In Ps 58:3, we find that the wicked are estranged from the womb and that they go astray as soon as they are born. Therefore, it should be evident that all who were ever born (or conceived) are guilty before God of not following the will of God. The following Scriptures serve to emphasize the wretchedness of man’s fallen state:

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Ecc 9:3

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Is 53:6

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Jer 17:9 (see also Ps 16:2)

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Gen 8:21

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Col 1:21 (see also Mat 7:21-23)

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Mat 12:34

Besides the above scriptures, there are many other examples in the Bible that teach that man cannot please God (e.g. Ro 7:5-23,8:5-13, Job 14:4,15:4, John 1:10, Ro 1:18-32, etc). However, an objection that may be raised by some is that man can do some good and, therefore, cannot be completely bad in the eyes of God. Moreover, free will teaches that although man is depraved, he can still be good enough to make a decision for Christ. Almost everyone will agree that all people have done bad, but there are a great amount of people who will insist that they can do good as well. They admit that they have done some bad things but overall they are generally a good person. It is vitally important to understand the Biblical teaching on this matter for in this lies a crux of the ‘free will’ error. The Bible teaches that even the things that man does which appear to be good are really filthy rags in the sight of God:

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Is 64:6

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

Jer 13:23

It is hoped that the above discussion shows that man in his natural state cannot be pleasing to God. Even the works that appear to be good can never earn merit with God.

Slavery to Sin

In order to further illustrate the point that man in his unsaved condition is bound to sin, we will turn to briefly examine the fact that man is in slavery to sin.

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin…But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you…Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Ro 6:6, 17-18 (see also Gal 4:3-11, 21-31, 5:1, Titus 3:1)

In this Scripture, it can be seen that prior to being saved, man is a servant (i.e. slave) to sin. To be a slave conveys the meaning that there is no escape and that man is so under the compulsion to sin that he cannot overcome it in his natural state. Titus 3:3 also witnesses to the fact that we, in our natural state were servants to sin. In fact, the scripture records that the whole world is under the sway of the wicked one (see 1 John 5:19, John 8:34, 44, 2 Tim 2:25-26).

A beautiful picture to illustrate slavery to sin is found in the book of Exodus. The nation of Israel was enslaved to their Egyptian slavemasters. They, of themselves, were unable to free themselves from the Pharaoh’s wicked rule. It took the great power of God in bringing the plagues on Egypt to finally release them. Besides a significant historical fact, we can see this story as a picture of the state of the elect prior to their salvation. They are in bondage to serve the wicked one (1 John 5:19) and, in their own power, they are unable to free themselves from their bondage to sin. There must be One sent from God that frees man from his sin nature and rebellion towards God.

The deliverance from this bondage to sin is achieved by the Redeemer. In the New Testament the word translated redeem comes from Greek words that have to do with being bought out of and being released from the slave market. The following table lists the meanings of these Greek words in the New Testament and their usage in Scripture:

Greek Root Definition (Scriptures)

agorazo to use or acquire at the market place (Rev 5:9, 14:3-4, 2 Pet 2:1, 1 Cor 6:20, 7:23)

ekagorazo go to the market and buy out of the market (Gal 3:13, 4:5)

lutroo pay for a slave (Titus 2:14, 1 Pet 1:18, Heb 9:12,15, Col 1:14, Eph 1:7, 1 Cor 1:30, Ro 3:24, 8:23, Lk 2:38)

The point of the above study on the Biblical usage of slavery is simply that man in his natural state is unable for himself to be righteous. He is in bondage. He needs a Savior to release him from slavery. Man cannot free himself from sin and rebellion. It is God who redeems man from his fallen state. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the natural state of man to answer the question of whether the ‘depravity’ of man also includes his inability to exercise saving faith. If it is the case that man cannot exercise saving belief on his own, it follows that God has chosen certain individuals and given them the faith of Christ so that they will believe. Therefore, by this faith, man is made righteous.

The Salvation of the Humble / Contrite Spirit / Brokenhearted

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.

(Psa 34:18)

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

(Isa 66:2)

(Psa 51:17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

(Isa 57:15)

Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

(2Ki 22:19)

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
(Isa 61:1)

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
(Luk 4:18)

Brokenhearted

My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
(Job 17:11)

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
(Psa 34:18)

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
(Psa 37:15)

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
(Psa 38:8)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
(Psa 51:17)

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
(Psa 69:20)

Because that he remembered not to shew mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart.
(Psa 109:16)

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
(Psa 147:3)

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
(Pro 15:13)

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
(Pro 17:22)

Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.
(Jer 23:9)

Trembling at God’s Word

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

(Isa 66:2)

Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

(Isa 66:5)

Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

(Ezr 9:4)

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

(Ezr 10:3)

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

(2Ch 34:27)

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

(Psa 119:136)

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

(Psa 119:120)

SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

(Psa 119:161)

When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

(Hab 3:16)

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(Act 9:6)

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

(Php 2:12)

Fear God

And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:

(Gen 42:18)

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

(Exo 18:21)

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

(Job 1:9)

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

(Psa 66:16)

Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

(Ecc 8:12)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

(Ecc 12:13)

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

(Luk 23:40)

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

(Act 13:16)

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

(1Pe 2:17)

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

(Rev 14:7)

Fear of God

And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

(Gen 20:11)

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

(2Sa 23:3)

And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

(2Ch 20:29)

But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

(Neh 5:15)

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

(Psa 36:1)

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

(Rom 3:18)

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(2Co 7:1)

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

(Eph 5:21)

Fear the Lord

But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD God.

(Exo 9:30)

That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

(Deu 6:2)

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

(Deu 6:13)

And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

(Deu 6:24)

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

(Deu 10:12)

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

(Deu 10:20)

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

(Deu 14:23)

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:

(Deu 17:19)

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

(Deu 31:12)

And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

(Deu 31:13)

That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.

(Jos 4:24)

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

(Jos 24:14)

If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

(1Sa 12:14)

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

(1Sa 12:24)

And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.

(1Ki 18:12)

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

(2Ki 4:1)

Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.

(2Ki 17:28)

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

(Psa 15:4)

Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

(Psa 22:23)

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

(Psa 33:8)

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

(Psa 34:9)

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

(Psa 115:11)

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.

(Psa 115:13)

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

(Psa 118:4)

Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD.

(Psa 135:20)

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

(Pro 3:7)

Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

(Jer 5:24)

Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.

(Jer 26:19)

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

(Hos 3:5)

And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

(Jon 1:9)

Fear of the Lord

And he took a yoke of oxen, and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.

(1Sa 11:7)

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

(2Ch 14:14)

And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

(2Ch 17:10)

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

(2Ch 19:7)

And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

(2Ch 19:9)

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

(Job 28:28)

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

(Psa 19:9)

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

(Psa 34:11)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Psa 111:10)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Pro 1:7)

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

(Pro 1:29)

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

(Pro 2:5)

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

(Pro 8:13)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

(Pro 9:10)

The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

(Pro 10:27)

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

(Pro 14:26)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

(Pro 14:27)

Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

(Pro 15:16)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

(Pro 15:33)

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

(Pro 16:6)

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

(Pro 19:23)

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

(Pro 22:4)

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

(Pro 23:17)

Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

(Isa 2:10)

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

(Isa 2:19)

To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

(Isa 2:21)

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

(Isa 11:2)

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

(Isa 11:3)

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.

(Isa 33:6)

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

(Act 9:31)

Terror of the Lord

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

(2Co 5:11)

Every Knee Shall Bow

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
(Isa 45:23)

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
(Rom 14:11)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
(Php 2:10)

Poor in Spirit

(Isa 66:2) For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

(Mat 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Luk 4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,