Pride and Humility at War: A Biblical Perspective

Humans are neither passive pawns nor morally neutral players―we were made to rule. Through history, we have viewed pride as a necessary tool to achieve the renown, power, or significance that we crave. Meanwhile, humility is misunderstood to be a kind of self-hatred―a weakness that leads to disappointment. Lanier Burns shows that the Bible consistently presents humility as the supreme virtue, while pride is the underlying depravity behind specific sins. Humility’s surprising essence is God-centeredness, living for the glory of God rather than self. On the basis of biblical principle, Christ’s example, and contemporary need, Pride and Humility at War argues for an unfamiliar connection between true significance and a humble dependence on the Lord, leading to great and lasting reward.

J. Lanier Burns (ThM and ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Texas, Dallas) is senior research professor of theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. Since 1973, he has served as the president of the Asian Christian Academy in Bangalore, India.