Bible Verses About Humility and Pride
The Bible says God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble, and that pride usually comes right before a fall. Humility isn’t hating yourself. It’s seeing yourself honestly and making room for God and other people. For Scripture tied to the seventh step, see our Step 7 verses. This page is about humility in ordinary sober life.
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
Pride before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Many slips start with “I’ve got this now.” Staying humble keeps you close to the things that keep you sober.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Pride brings shame, and humility brings wisdom. If you’ve lived in shame for years, it’s worth asking how much pride fed it.
God’s side of humility
“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. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
Be clothed with humility, like putting on an apron to serve. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and lifts them up in His time.
“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.”
The high and holy God lives with the person who is contrite and humble, to revive them. The lowest place is where He chooses to meet us.
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”
God guides and teaches the meek. A teachable spirit is one of the best predictors of growth in recovery.
Humility with people
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Nothing done through strife or vainglory. Esteem others better than yourself. Look out for their interests too. That’s a full description of a good group member.
“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.”
Don’t think you’re too good for anyone, and don’t be wise in your own conceits. The newcomer, the old-timer and the person who keeps slipping all belong at the same table.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
Let someone else praise you. If you have to tell people how well you’re doing, it may be time to listen more and talk less.
Humility that serves
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
Jesus washed His friends’ feet, the lowest job in the house, and told them to do the same. Making coffee and stacking chairs are not small things.
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
Whoever raises himself up gets brought low, and whoever humbles himself gets lifted. God’s ladder runs the opposite way from ours.
A prayer against pride
“God, I’ve thought too much of myself and too little of You. Take the pride that keeps me from asking for help. Make me teachable. Give me eyes for other people’s needs and hands willing to do the small jobs. Amen.”
Practice humility this week
Ask two people who know you well, “Where do you see pride in me?” Don’t argue or explain. Just say thank you and write it down. Then do one unseen act of service, and don’t tell anyone about it.
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Common questions
What does the Bible say about pride?
It treats pride as dangerous. Proverbs 16:18 says pride goes before destruction, and 1 Peter 5:5 says God resists the proud. Pride keeps us from asking for help, which is why it's so risky in recovery.
Does humility mean thinking badly of myself?
No. Humility is seeing yourself accurately and thinking about yourself less, not putting yourself down. Philippians 2:3-4 puts it as caring about others' interests along with your own.
How is humility connected to the steps?
Step 7 asks God humbly to remove our shortcomings, and the whole program depends on admitting we can't do it alone. For verses tied directly to that step, see our Step 7 verses page.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
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