The short answer is yes.
Pride is one of the most dangerous sins mentioned in Scripture because it attacks the very heart of our relationship with God. Pride convinces us that we know better than God, need less from God, and deserve more than others. It was pride that led to the downfall of kings, nations, and countless lives throughout history. In fact, the Bible speaks so strongly against pride that it lists it among the things God specifically hates.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says:
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…”
Notice that pride appears first on the list. Before mentioning murder, before mentioning deceit, God points to “haughty eyes”—a proud and arrogant spirit. This should get our attention. The same passage that condemns the shedding of innocent blood also condemns pride. Why? Because pride is often the root that gives birth to many other sins. Pride says, “I don’t need correction.” Pride says, “I’m better than others.” Pride says, “My will matters more than God’s will.”
The Bible repeatedly warns that pride leads to destruction.
Proverbs 16:18 says:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
History proves this principle over and over again. Powerful rulers, wealthy businessmen, famous athletes, undefeated fighters, and even great nations have fallen because they began believing their own greatness. The moment a person becomes convinced they are untouchable is often the moment they are closest to being humbled.
However, we should make an important distinction. The Bible is not condemning every use of the word “pride.” There is a difference between sinful pride and healthy appreciation.
For example, it is not sinful to be proud of your child for graduating college, serving in the military, overcoming addiction, or making wise choices. It is not sinful to feel satisfaction after working hard toward a goal, building a successful business, finishing a marathon, or accomplishing something honorable. Gratitude for blessings and appreciation for accomplishments are not what Scripture condemns.
The sinful pride the Bible warns against is arrogance. It is the attitude that exalts self above God and above others. It is the belief that our success came entirely from our own efforts. It is the refusal to give God glory for the gifts, talents, opportunities, and blessings He has provided.
King Nebuchadnezzar is a powerful example. Standing over his magnificent kingdom, he declared:
“Is not this the great Babylon I have built by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30)
He gave himself all the credit.
He forgot God.
And God humbled him dramatically until he finally recognized that all authority belongs to the Lord.
Perhaps the greatest example of pride is found in Satan himself. Isaiah 14 describes one who sought to exalt himself above God, saying:
“I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God.” (Isaiah 14:13)
Pride was at the heart of the rebellion.
Pride says, “I want the throne.”
Humility says, “God belongs on the throne.”
The good news is that God does not simply warn us about pride; He also tells us how to overcome it.
James 4:10 says:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself correctly. It is recognizing that every breath we take, every blessing we enjoy, and every victory we celebrate ultimately comes from God. Humility allows us to be teachable. It allows us to admit mistakes. It allows us to grow.
At the end of the day, the question is not whether we have accomplishments we can be thankful for. The question is who receives the glory.
There is nothing wrong with being thankful for your success, proud of your children, or grateful for what you have achieved through hard work. The problem begins when we start believing we are the source of those blessings instead of the steward of them.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
Choose humility. Give God the glory. Because every good thing we have ultimately came from Him, and every good thing we hope to become will require Him.