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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am troubled by my pride. I read something that showed the letter “i” in the middle of the word pride. This really has convicted me. My professors say that we should have pride; that we should think highly of ourselves, because this is the key to becoming successful. I’m pretty sure the Bible teaches the opposite, but I do remember that pride was what got the devil kicked out of Heaven. What is the right teaching about pride? – P.M.

A: Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. Jesus had a loving heart. If He dwells within us, hatred and bitterness will never rule us. Jesus had a forgiving and understanding heart. If He lives within us, mercy will temper our relationships with our fellow men.

Jesus had an unselfish heart. If He lives in us, selfishness will not predominate, but service to God and others will come before our selfish interests. You say, “That’s a big order.” That’s true. The Apostle Paul recognized that he could never attain this heart purity by his own striving. The Bible says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3, NKJV).

Pride is associated with failure, not success. We hear a great deal about the inferiority complex, but the superiority complex of pride is seldom spoken of. The self-life manifests itself in self-pride. It takes self-denial to turn off the television and spend time in prayer. It takes self-denial to read and study the Bible rather than indulge in things that bring self-pleasure. The object in life is that Christ may be honored in all we do.

“As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, NLT).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.