5 Signs of a Prideful Heart

Do nothing from selfish ambition 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.

─ Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Some of the most prideful people ascertain their worth by the influence they think they have. In the book of Esther, Haman’s pride and hatred for the Jews was fueled when a Jewish man refused to bow in submission to him. In retaliation, Haman plotted to kill every Jew under his king’s rule. As second in command of all of the Persian empire, Haman held a position of influence with the king and intended to use it to accomplish his hate crime (Esther 3:1).

Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition 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” (ESV).

Haman’s story provides five signs of a prideful heart:

1. Looking down on others.
2. Becoming selfish.
3. Believing we have all the answers and forcing them upon others.
4. Thinking our own merits bring God’s blessings.
5. Refusing to seek God’s plans because we’re content with our own.

Haman’s prejudice against the Jews came from the difference in belief or culture. Instead of celebrating them, he despised them. Prejudice grows best in the soil of personal pride and believing oneself, for one reason or another, to be better than others. In the end, Haman was punished for his arrogant attitude (Esther 7:9, 10). He died by the gallows that he had built for Mordecai.

Today’s One Thing

Look at the five signs of a prideful heart. Ask God to help you examine your own heart. Ask Him to fill you with His compassion and love for others.

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