There is a difference between the kind of pride that YAHUAH hates (Proverbs 8:13) and the kind of pride we can feel about a job well done (Galatians 6:4) or the kind of pride we express over the accomplishment of loved ones (2 Corinthians 7:4). The kind of pride that stems from self-righteousness or conceit is sin, however, and YAHUAH hates it because it is a hindrance to seeking Him.
Psalm 10:4 explains that the proud are so consumed with themselves that their thoughts are far from YAHUAH: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for YAHUAH.” This kind of haughty pride is the opposite of the Ruach of humility that YAHUAH seeks: “Blessed are the poor in Ruach: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “poor in ruach” are those who recognize their utter spiritual bankruptcy and their inability to come to YAHUAH aside from His divine grace. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of YAHUAH or, worse, that YAHUAH should accept them as they are because they deserve His acceptance.
Throughout Scripture we are told about the consequences of pride.Proverbs 16:18-19tells us that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty Ruach before a fall. Better to be lowly in Ruach and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of pride (Isaiah 14:12-15). He had the selfish audacity to attempt to replace YAHUAH Himself as the rightful ruler of the universe. But Satan will be cast down to hell in the final judgment of YAHUAH. For those who rise up in defiance against YAHUAH, there is nothing ahead but disaster (Isaiah 14:22).
Pride has kept many people from accepting YAHUSHA HA’MASHIACH as Savior. Admitting sin and acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life is a constant stumbling block for prideful people. We are not to boast about ourselves; if we want to boast, then we are to proclaim the glories of YAHUAH . What we say about ourselves means nothing in YAHUAH’s work. It is what YAHUAH says about us that makes the difference (2 Corinthians 10:18).
Why is pride so sinful? Pride is giving ourselves the credit for something that YAHUAH has accomplished. Pride is taking the glory that belongs to YAHUAH alone and keeping it for ourselves. Pride is essentially self-worship. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for YAHUAH enabling and sustaining us. “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). That is why we give YAHUAH the glory—He alone deserves it.
Writing credit: gotquestions.org