People naturally want to feel respected and valued, which forms the basis for their self-esteem. Pride is a common feeling that makes individuals want to show off their accomplishments and contributions in life. Not surprisingly, the Bible contains numerous references to the word “pride”. Often, we ignore such references, discarding their meaning as something not applicable to us. However, let's take a closer look at it.
你若行事愚顽，自高自傲，或是怀了恶念，就当用手捂口。( 箴言 30:32 )
他使住高处的与高城一并败落，将城拆毁，拆平，直到尘埃，( 以赛亚书 26:5 )
好叫人不从自己的谋算，不行骄傲的事｛原文是将骄傲向人隐藏｝，( 约伯记 33:17 )
In our daily lives, we distinguish between two types of pride: a negative one, expressed in phrases like “this person was too proud to help,” and a positive one, conveyed in phrases like “Good job, I’m so proud of you!” The latter expression is pervasive in family life, where parents seek to motivate their children to persevere, progress, and develop into respected individuals. Regardless of whether we express praise or condemnation, both types of pride share a common foundation. Let's take a look at the most common definitions of pride:
- A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired
- Consciousness of one's own dignity.
Both definitions above share a common foundation around self-centric qualities. "Pride" reflects self-abilities or self-accomplishments as opposed to reliance on others' help.
骄傲只启争竞；听劝言的，却有智慧。( 箴言 13:10 )
As we can see, that self-centered pride is heavily condemned in the Bible repeatedly. Here are just a few examples:
他们在那里，因恶人的骄傲呼求，却无人答应。( 约伯记 35:12 )
困苦的百姓，你必拯救；但你的眼目察看高傲的人，使他降卑。( 撒母耳记下 22:28 )
耶和华虽高，仍看顾低微的人；他却从远处看出骄傲的人。( 诗篇 138:6 )
Before we can make any conclusion, let's take a look at the Bible story of Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who became proud of the results of the work he did.
他说：“这大巴比伦不是我用大能大力建为京都，要显我威严的荣耀吗？”( 但以理书 4:30 )
While most of us aren't kings, and our achievements may not be grandiose, we often say or think, "I built this house with my own hands," or "I created such a great company," or "I won this game over someone else," taking pride in our efforts. Isn't it fair to feel proud when we've invested so much effort into something crucial for us, be it securing a good job, fostering a strong family, or winning a race?
The author of the renowned biblical wisdom book, "Ecclesiastes," recognized that personal qualities and skills don't solely determine life events' outcomes.
我又转念：见日光之下，快跑的未必能赢；力战的未必得胜；智慧的未必得粮食；明哲的未必得资财；灵巧的未必得喜悦。所临到众人的是在乎当时的机会。( 传道书 9:11 )
It appears that success isn't guaranteed for those who invest significant effort in work, training, or practice. If we fast forward into New Testament times, Jesus asserts that nothing escapes God's attention, regardless of the event's perceived importance or insignificance:
两个麻雀不是卖一分银子吗？若是你们的父不许，一个也不能掉在地上；( 马太福音 10:29 )
Let's return to Nebuchadnezzar and examine what transpired after he voiced his prideful words about his accomplishments:
这话在王口中尚未说完，有声音从天降下，说：“尼布甲尼撒王啊，有话对你说，你的国位离开你了。 你必被赶出离开世人，与野地的兽同居，吃草如牛，且要经过七期。等你知道至高者在人的国中掌权，要将国赐与谁就赐与谁。”( 但以理书 4:31-32 )
In an instant, King Nebuchadnezzar lost everything he had taken pride in, facing challenging times, just as foretold. The king lost his throne, pride, and dignity, a necessary experience for understanding and learning the lesson. After a while, Nebuchadnezzar came to realize who was truly behind all his achievements:
＜尼布甲尼撒颂赞 神＞ 日子满足，我──尼布甲尼撒举目望天，我的聪明复归于我，我便称颂至高者，赞美尊敬活到永远的 神。他的权柄是永有的；他的国存到万代。 现在我──尼布甲尼撒赞美、尊崇、恭敬天上的王；因为他所做的全都诚实，他所行的也都公平。那行动骄傲的，他能降为卑。( 但以理书 4:34-35,37 )
In the end, Nebuchadnezzar learned a valuable lesson about pride. Can we, too, learn this lesson the easier way, by reflecting on Nebuchadnezzar's story?
Does that story imply that our achievements aren't genuinely ours? What can we accomplish entirely on our own? A verse from the Gospel of John, quoting Jesus, provides the answer below. Notice that Jesus repeats the same words, subtly rephrasing them to underscore their significance.
你们要常在我里面，我也常在你们里面。枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子；你们若不常在我里面，也是这样。( 约翰福音 15:4 )
我是葡萄树，你们是枝子。常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子；因为离了我，你们就不能做什么。( 约翰福音 15:5 )
It is God who empowers us, enabling us to succeed in games or secure good jobs. God is the source of creative ideas when tackling complex problems and provides strength to persevere and complete what we've started. Recognizing these aspects reveals the true nature of God and His role in our lives, bringing us closer to Him.
你要专心仰赖耶和华，不可倚靠自己的聪明， 在你一切所行的事上都要认定他，他必指引你的路。( 箴言 3:5-6 )
应当一无挂虑，只要凡事藉着祷告、祈求，和感谢，将你们所要的告诉 神。( 腓立比书 4:6 )
所以，你们或吃或喝，无论做什么，都要为荣耀 神而行。( 哥林多前书 10:31 )
Let's acknowledge our limitations and find comfort in understanding that relying on Jesus brings peace of mind, supporting us through challenges and guiding us in managing feelings of pride and dignity.