Understanding the concept of "haughty" within the context of Christian ethics requires a deep dive into both the biblical usage of the term and its implications for our daily walk with Christ. The term "haughty" is often used in the Bible to describe an attitude that is contrary to the humility and servitude that Jesus exemplified and taught. To fully grasp its meaning and significance, we need to explore its definition, biblical references, and the moral and ethical lessons that stem from it.
The word "haughty" is derived from the Old French word "haut," meaning "high" or "lofty." In modern English, it is used to describe someone who is arrogantly superior and disdainful. A haughty person is characterized by an attitude of pride and self-importance, often looking down on others as inferior. This attitude stands in stark contrast to the virtues of humility and meekness that are central to Christian ethics.
In the Bible, the term "haughty" is frequently used to describe those who are proud and arrogant. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse succinctly encapsulates the perilous nature of a haughty attitude. It warns that pride and arrogance are precursors to one's downfall. Similarly, in Proverbs 18:12, we read, "Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." These verses collectively emphasize that a haughty spirit is not only morally wrong but also leads to negative consequences.
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exhibited haughty attitudes and faced divine repercussions as a result. One of the most notable examples is that of King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful Babylonian king who became exceedingly proud of his accomplishments and his kingdom. In Daniel 4:30, he boasts, "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" However, his haughtiness leads to his downfall. God humbles him by causing him to lose his sanity and live like an animal until he acknowledges God's sovereignty (Daniel 4:31-37).
Another striking example is found in the New Testament with the Pharisees. Jesus frequently rebuked the Pharisees for their haughty attitudes. They prided themselves on their strict adherence to the law and looked down on others who did not meet their standards. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." In stark contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, beats his breast, and says, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus concludes by saying that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. This parable illustrates the dangers of haughtiness and the virtue of humility.
The ethical implications of haughtiness are profound. A haughty attitude is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility, servitude, and love for others. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is actually a strength characterized by humility and gentleness. It is the opposite of haughtiness.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of haughtiness in his epistles. In Romans 12:3, he writes, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." Paul urges believers to have a realistic and humble assessment of themselves, recognizing that their gifts and abilities come from God. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul further exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Christian ethics calls for a life marked by humility, recognizing our dependence on God and our interconnectedness with others. A haughty attitude disrupts this harmony and leads to division, strife, and ultimately, separation from God. James 4:6-7 reminds us, "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
To avoid the pitfalls of haughtiness, Christians are encouraged to cultivate humility and a servant's heart. Jesus himself set the ultimate example of humility and servitude. In John 13:1-17, we see Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. By doing so, Jesus teaches that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others. He says in John 13:14-15, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
Christian literature also provides valuable insights into the dangers of haughtiness and the virtue of humility. C.S. Lewis, in his classic work "Mere Christianity," discusses pride as "the great sin" and the root of all other sins. He writes, "Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind." Lewis emphasizes that pride is essentially competitive, as it derives pleasure from being above others. This competitive nature of pride fosters a haughty attitude, which is destructive to both the individual and the community.
In contrast, Andrew Murray, in his book "Humility: The Beauty of Holiness," extols the virtue of humility as the foundation of Christian character. He writes, "Humility is the only soil in which the graces root; the lack of humility is the sufficient explanation of every defect and failure." Murray stresses that humility is not just an external behavior but an inner disposition of recognizing our complete dependence on God and our need for His grace.
In practical terms, cultivating humility involves a conscious effort to recognize and combat haughty attitudes. This includes regularly examining our hearts and motives, seeking forgiveness for our pride, and intentionally practicing acts of service and kindness. It also involves being open to correction and learning from others, recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that we can grow through the wisdom and experiences of others.
Prayer is another essential aspect of combating haughtiness. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and seek His guidance and strength to live a life marked by humility. The Psalms provide numerous examples of prayers that express humility and reliance on God. Psalm 51:17, for instance, says, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."
In summary, the definition of "haughty" encompasses an attitude of arrogant superiority and disdain for others. Biblically, haughtiness is condemned as it leads to one's downfall and is contrary to the virtues of humility and servitude that Jesus taught and exemplified. Christian ethics calls for a life marked by humility, recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves. By following the example of Jesus, regularly examining our hearts, practicing acts of service, and seeking God's guidance through prayer, we can combat haughty attitudes and cultivate a life that honors God and reflects His love to others.
