Pride often hides behind many masks, and it can show up in subtle, unexpected ways. Here’s a guide to help you check your heart for different forms of sinful pride, using biblical wisdom and some reflective questions.

1. Do I Think I’m Better Than Others (Even Slightly)?

Pride often shows up as comparison or a quiet sense of superiority.

Signs to watch for:

Judging others for their sins while minimizing your own Looking down on people who are less educated, less disciplined, or less “put together” Feeling proud that you’re more “humble,” more “biblically sound,” or “more right” than others

Check with Scripture:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

2. Do I Resist Correction or Criticism?

Pride resists being taught, corrected, or rebuked.

Ask yourself:

Do I become defensive when someone points out a fault? Do I assume I know better than others—especially those in authority or leadership? Do I dismiss correction because I don’t respect the person who gave it?

Check with Scripture:

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1

3. Do I Need to Be Right, Seen, or Praised?

Pride craves recognition, validation, and control.

Reflection questions:

Do I feel bitter or unappreciated when my efforts go unnoticed? Do I try to correct everyone to prove I’m right (especially online)? Do I struggle to let others take the lead or receive credit?

Check with Scripture:

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6

4. Do I Appear Humble but Hide Pride in My Thoughts?

There is such a thing as false humility—words that sound humble but mask pride.

Look for:

Saying, “I’m nothing” but secretly hoping for someone to affirm you Belittling yourself outwardly to appear humble while craving internal validation Making excuses to avoid growth or obedience under the disguise of “humility”

Check with Scripture:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9

5. Do I Struggle to Serve Others Joyfully?

Pride says “I’ve done enough”, “They don’t deserve it”, or “That’s beneath me.”

Ask yourself:

Do I pick and choose whom I serve based on their status or behavior? Do I only serve when I get something in return? Do I serve with grumbling or resentment?

Check with Scripture:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” – Mark 10:45

6. Do I Speak Too Much or Not Enough?

Pride can make us dominate conversations—or stay silent to avoid appearing foolish.

Ask:

Do I feel the need to always be the one teaching, correcting, or leading? Do I remain quiet in situations where speaking truth might make me look bad?

Check with Scripture:

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak…” – James 1:19

7. Do I Confess Sin Selectively?

Pride causes us to hide sin, justify it, or confess it only in ways that maintain our image.

Ask yourself:

Am I more concerned with looking godly than being godly? Do I only share struggles I’ve already overcome, not what I’m currently wrestling with?

Check with Scripture:

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8

How to Respond if You Find Pride:

Don’t despair. Recognizing pride is a mercy from God—it means He’s working on you. Repent deeply. Ask the Spirit to reveal the root: Where am I trying to be God in my own life? Ask for humility. It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Walk it out. Do small, hidden acts of service. Listen more. Let others shine.

Have you spotted pride in your heart recently? What did God reveal? Share in the comments (anonymously if needed)—your honesty could help someone else.