Arrogance is more than just pride inflated. It is a dangerous attitude that elevates the self above others and, ultimately, above God. Throughout Scripture, arrogance is shown to be a path that leads away from wisdom, away from righteousness, and directly into destruction. The Bible does not merely frown upon arrogance—it warns against it repeatedly with serious consequences. Arrogance blinds us, isolates us, and deceives us into believing we are self-sufficient. But the truth is, no one stands securely apart from God’s grace.
God exalts the humble but opposes the proud. This isn’t just a theme repeated in Proverbs or Psalms; it is a spiritual law woven into the fabric of God’s order. Whether it is kings who thought they were invincible, nations who trusted in their own strength, or individuals who boasted in their achievements, Scripture reminds us that arrogance invites downfall. What seems like confidence may actually be self-glorification, and God sees the heart behind our actions.
True strength, the kind that endures, comes from humility. Humility draws us close to God, positions us to receive correction, and keeps us grounded in truth. As you read these verses, let them be a mirror to your soul and a guide toward the posture that pleases the Lord.
Bible Verses Warning Us That Arrogance Leads to Failure
1. Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
2. James 4:6
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
3. Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
4. Obadiah 1:3–4
The pride of your heart has deceived you… Though you soar like the eagle… I will bring you down.
5. 1 Corinthians 10:12
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.
6. Proverbs 18:12
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
7. Isaiah 2:11
The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low.
8. Luke 18:14
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
9. Daniel 4:37
Those who walk in pride He is able to humble.
10. Romans 12:3
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.
11. Proverbs 29:23
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
12. Jeremiah 9:23–24
Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.
13. Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
14. Ezekiel 28:17
Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.
15. 1 Peter 5:5
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility… because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
16. Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
17. Galatians 6:3
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
18. 2 Chronicles 26:16
But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.
19. Psalm 131:1
My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty.
20. Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
21. Isaiah 13:11
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.
22. Deuteronomy 8:14
Then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.
23. Job 35:12
They cry out, but He does not answer because of the pride of evil men.
24. Psalm 101:5
Whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.
25. Proverbs 8:13
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
26. Isaiah 23:9
The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor.
27. Habakkuk 2:5
Indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest.
28. Romans 1:30
They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.
29. Psalm 73:6
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
30. Jeremiah 48:29
We have heard of Moab’s pride—how great is her arrogance.
31. Job 20:6–7
Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens… he will perish forever.
32. Isaiah 14:13–15
You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens”… But you are brought down to the realm of the dead.
33. Proverbs 21:4
Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
34. Hosea 13:6
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me.
35. Matthew 23:12
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Arrogance and Failure
God’s Word does not mince words about the danger of arrogance. Pride that places self above God or others is a stumbling block that leads to ruin. From kings to common people, those who thought they could live independently of God’s guidance always met destruction. Arrogance makes us unteachable and resistant to correction, and it blinds us to the truth that all we have and all we are come from the Lord.
On the other hand, humility brings clarity, favor, and elevation. God lifts up the lowly, not because they are weak, but because they recognize their need for Him. We are not called to belittle ourselves, but to walk with a sober view of who we are in light of who God is. When we submit our ambitions, our success, and our confidence to God, He establishes our path. True strength is found in surrender, and lasting success comes when we honor God in all we do.
Say This Prayer
Lord, I confess that at times I have allowed pride to take root in my heart. I’ve trusted in my own abilities and overlooked Your hand in my life. Today, I lay down every arrogant thought and every boastful word. Teach me to walk in humility and to recognize Your wisdom above my own. Guard my heart from the deception of pride and help me honor You in how I live, speak, and treat others. I want to be a vessel You can use, not one that resists Your correction. Keep me grounded in truth and wrapped in grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.