Pride
Pride can be broken down into two categories: righteous pride, and sinful pride. For example,
- Righteous: "I am proud of my son for doing so well on his test."
- Sinful: "I did better on the test than my classmates because I am smarter."
- Righteous: "I am glad my spouse chose to marry me."
- Sinful: "I am glad my spouse chose me for my good looks and charming personality."
Righteous pride
Righteous pride may be defined as taking joy in something without conceit; that is, without believing that one is better than another for any reason. Christians are called to "never boast except in the cross" (Galatians 6:14), looking with joy to the salvation provided by Jesus Christ, obtained by no personal merit.
Sinful pride
Sinful pride is anything which, either directly or indirectly, attempts to place oneself above God. It is idolatry of the self, affecting many aspects of the life. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says this: "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."