Definition and Context
Self-righteousness is the belief in one's own righteousness, often accompanied by a sense of moral superiority over others. In the biblical context, self-righteousness is seen as a spiritual pitfall that can lead to pride, judgmental attitudes, and a lack of genuine humility before God. The Bible warns against self-righteousness, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's grace.

Biblical Warnings Against Self-Righteousness
The Bible contains numerous passages that caution against self-righteousness. One of the most direct teachings comes from Jesus in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In Luke 18:9-14 , Jesus tells of a Pharisee who prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I receive." In contrast, the tax collector humbly prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, illustrating that self-righteousness is not pleasing to God.

The Dangers of Self-Righteousness
Self-righteousness can lead to spiritual blindness, where individuals fail to recognize their own sinfulness and need for God's mercy. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." This passage highlights the danger of focusing on outward appearances while neglecting inner spiritual health.

Humility as an Antidote
The Bible consistently teaches that humility is the antidote to self-righteousness. In James 4:6 , it is written, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Humility involves recognizing one's own sinfulness and dependence on God's grace for salvation. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in Philippians 3:8-9 , where he writes, "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith."

Practical Steps to Avoid Self-Righteousness
1. Self-Examination: Regularly examine your heart and motives in light of Scripture. Psalm 139:23-24 encourages believers to pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

2. Confession and Repentance: Acknowledge and confess sins to God, seeking His forgiveness and cleansing. 1 John 1:9 assures, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

3. Dependence on God's Grace: Recognize that righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ, not from personal merit. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

4. Cultivating a Servant's Heart: Follow Jesus' example of servanthood and humility. In Mark 10:45 , Jesus declares, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

By adhering to these biblical principles, believers can guard against the sin of self-righteousness and cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God.