The sin of pride, as addressed in the Bible, manifests in various attitudes and behaviors that elevate self over others and God. Below is an analysis of how pride may manifest in the five contexts, alongside biblical rebukes and calls to humility:
1. KJV-Onlyism
Prideful Manifestation: Insisting the King James Version (KJV) is the only valid translation often dismisses the value of other translations, scholarship, and the Holy Spirit’s work in diverse contexts. This dogmatism can reflect intellectual arrogance (Proverbs 3:7) and a lack of gratitude for God’s Word being accessible in many languages (Revelation 7:9).
Scripture affirms that "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), not limited to one translation. Humility recognizes God’s sovereignty in preserving His Word through various means (Isaiah 55:11).
2. Perfect Textus Receptus
Prideful Manifestation: Asserting the Textus Receptus (TR) is flawless ignores the fallibility of human transmission and the value of older manuscripts discovered since its compilation. This mirrors the Pharisees’ rigid adherence to tradition over truth (Mark 7:8-9).
While the TR has historical significance, humility acknowledges that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Trust in God’s providential preservation of Scripture (Psalm 12:6-7) need not deny scholarly diligence (Proverbs 27:17).
3. Extreme Separatism
Prideful Manifestation: Severing fellowship with all who disagree cultivates elitism, contradicting Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:20-21). Such separatism often stems from self-righteousness (Luke 18:11-12).
Christians are called to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), distinguishing between essential doctrines and disputable matters (Romans 14:1-4).
4. Bullying Mandarin-Speaking Pastors
Prideful Manifestation: Intimidating others over language or cultural differences reflects a superiority complex, violating Christ’s command to love neighbors (Matthew 22:39) and honor the weak (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness esteem others better than oneself” (Philippians 2:3). The gospel transcends cultural barriers (Galatians 3:28).
5. Claiming Omniscience About Manuscripts/Translation
Prideful Manifestation: Professing exhaustive knowledge rejects the limits of human understanding (1 Corinthians 13:9-12) and dishonors God, who alone is all-knowing (Isaiah 55:8-9).
“If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). Humility embraces lifelong learning and dependence on God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).
Antidote to Pride: Christlike Humility
Scripture calls believers to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5). Pride divides and destroys; humility fosters unity, love, and reverence for God’s sovereignty. As Jesus modeled, true greatness lies in serving others (Mark 10:43-45), not in dogmatic superiority.
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