“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.” — 1 Peter 5:5
Pride was the very sin that led to the fall of Lucifer. Once a glorious angel, his heart was lifted because of his beauty and position. He sought to exalt himself above God, and because of that pride, he fell (Isaiah 14:12–15). Pride remains the most distinct characteristic of God’s enemy—a spiritual poison that causes rebellion, self-exaltation, and disobedience.
The Greek word for “proud” in 1 Peter 5:5 is “ὑπερήφανος” (huperēphanos), meaning showing oneself above others, arrogant, haughty. It conveys an attitude that resists divine order and lifts up the self above God and man.
The natural man takes pride in material wealth, status, skin color, or worldly achievements. Society often measures greatness by titles and possessions. But God does not value the things men boast about:
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Pride distorts our identity and separates us from God’s purpose. It makes us do what we are not meant to do — grasping at things rather than receiving them in humility.
Jesus Christ, though being in very nature God, did not exalt Himself. Instead, He humbled Himself to the point of death—even the death of the cross. Because of this humility, He was highly exalted:
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him…” — Philippians 2:8–9
Paul urges us to adopt the same mind. We are called to live a life clothed with humility, walking in the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit does not boast or promote self; rather, it shapes in us a heart that trembles before God and seeks to serve others.
Humility is not weakness. It is the gateway to divine promotion and grace. When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He lifts us in due time (1 Peter 5:6). He resists the proud because pride claims glory that belongs to Him. But to the humble, He pours out abundant grace, wisdom, and strength.
Let humility be the garment you wear today. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. Humble yourself, and God will lift you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself and walked in perfect obedience. Deliver me from every form of pride that seeks to rise in my heart. Teach me to see others through Your eyes and to value humility over recognition.
Fill me with Your Spirit that I may live in the beauty of holiness and walk humbly before You all the days of my life.
I lay down every boast, every title, and every selfish ambition. Clothe me with humility, that I may receive Your grace and reflect the heart of Christ to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Proverbs 16:18
-
Micah 6:8
-
James 4:6
-
Philippians 2:5
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
16 June, 2025
Only the humble walk in the flow of God’s grace.
“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.” — 1 Peter 5:5
Pride was the very sin that led to the fall of Lucifer. Once a glorious angel, his heart was lifted because of his beauty and position. He sought to exalt himself above God, and because of that pride, he fell (Isaiah 14:12–15). Pride remains the most distinct characteristic of God’s enemy—a spiritual poison that causes rebellion, self-exaltation, and disobedience.
The Greek word for “proud” in 1 Peter 5:5 is “ὑπερήφανος” (huperēphanos), meaning showing oneself above others, arrogant, haughty. It conveys an attitude that resists divine order and lifts up the self above God and man.
The natural man takes pride in material wealth, status, skin color, or worldly achievements. Society often measures greatness by titles and possessions. But God does not value the things men boast about:
“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Pride distorts our identity and separates us from God’s purpose. It makes us do what we are not meant to do — grasping at things rather than receiving them in humility.
Jesus Christ, though being in very nature God, did not exalt Himself. Instead, He humbled Himself to the point of death—even the death of the cross. Because of this humility, He was highly exalted:
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him…” — Philippians 2:8–9
Paul urges us to adopt the same mind. We are called to live a life clothed with humility, walking in the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit does not boast or promote self; rather, it shapes in us a heart that trembles before God and seeks to serve others.
Humility is not weakness. It is the gateway to divine promotion and grace. When we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He lifts us in due time (1 Peter 5:6). He resists the proud because pride claims glory that belongs to Him. But to the humble, He pours out abundant grace, wisdom, and strength.
Let humility be the garment you wear today. In God’s kingdom, the way up is down. Humble yourself, and God will lift you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself and walked in perfect obedience. Deliver me from every form of pride that seeks to rise in my heart. Teach me to see others through Your eyes and to value humility over recognition.
Fill me with Your Spirit that I may live in the beauty of holiness and walk humbly before You all the days of my life.
I lay down every boast, every title, and every selfish ambition. Clothe me with humility, that I may receive Your grace and reflect the heart of Christ to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
-
Proverbs 16:18
-
Micah 6:8
-
James 4:6
-
Philippians 2:5
