Topical Bible: The Devil: Character of Proud

◄ The Devil: Character of Proud ►

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The Devil, also known as Satan, is a central figure in Christian theology, often depicted as the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. One of the most defining characteristics attributed to the Devil is pride. This trait is considered the root of his rebellion against God and his subsequent fall from grace.

The origin of the Devil's pride is often linked to passages that describe the fall of a once-glorious being. In Isaiah 14:12-15, the prophet speaks of a figure often interpreted as a representation of Satan: "How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations. You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" . This passage highlights the Devil's desire to exalt himself above God, a clear manifestation of pride.

Ezekiel 28:12-17 is another passage that is often associated with the Devil's prideful nature. Although it addresses the king of Tyre, many theologians see a dual reference to Satan: "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God... Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings." . Here, the Devil's pride is linked to his beauty and wisdom, which led to his downfall.

The New Testament also reflects on the Devil's pride. In 1 Timothy 3:6, Paul warns against appointing a new convert to a position of authority in the church, "or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil." . This verse suggests that pride was a significant factor in the Devil's condemnation.

The Devil's pride is not only a personal flaw but also a tool he uses to tempt humanity. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent, often identified with Satan, tempts Eve by appealing to her pride, suggesting that eating the forbidden fruit would make her "like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5). This temptation mirrors the Devil's own desire to be like the Most High.

Throughout Scripture, pride is consistently portrayed as a sin that leads to destruction. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." . The Devil's pride serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of exalting oneself above God and His divine order.

In summary, the Devil's character is marked by an overwhelming pride that led to his rebellion against God and his ultimate downfall. This pride is not only a personal vice but also a means by which he seeks to lead others astray, reflecting the ongoing spiritual battle between humility and pride.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:6
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Saints May Help the Devil
... Doth Job serve God for nought?" said the devil. ... find no fault with Job whatever,
his character was untainted ... see members of Christian churches as proud as they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Yezidees, or Worshippers of the Devil.
... But when her proud monarchs had scourged idolatrous Israel ... of the Yezidees, the reputed
worshippers of the devil. ... that this was my true character, his whole ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/yezidees or worshippers of the.htm

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... He that commitetth sin is of the devil; (1 John ... an essential branch of every good
man's character; for he ... religion, you will quickly, with the proud youth that ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm

Jesus and Abraham.
... Their proud language was false. ... Point out a single flaw in his matchless character.
You cannot. ... (John 8:48). 48. Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus and abraham.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... manifold corruptions of the world, the devil, and the ... and also to women whose character
was known ... The Empress Eudoxia, proud, passionate, impulsive, domineering ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his ...
... See the passages previously cited on the character of the ... kill him.[5] In exorcisms,
the devil cheats him ... powerless, to call this falsehood, and, proud of our ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xv commencement of the.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... of teaching that man is a noble character, evolving heavenwards ... and so humilitating
to his proud heart"never ... of that old serpent, the devil, whom Scripture ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Pride and Humility
... found himself, to his surprise and disappointment, only a devil. ... They cannot alter
the character of God ... Peter is right: that God DOES resist the proud, that God ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxiii pride and humility.htm

Free Grace
... From what we know of the character of a devil, the ... the only motive that could make
men save a devil must be ... Can you be proud then?"proud of mercy which, if I ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/free grace.htm

The Loftiness of God
... to thee"God's own message; no devil's message, or man's ... look at the sight of God's
character, which the ... and not cruel, condescending and not proud"that his ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxix the loftiness of.htm