Topical Encyclopedia
Conceit, often understood as excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities, is a theme addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. It is generally portrayed as a negative trait that leads individuals away from humility and dependence on God. The Bible warns against conceit, emphasizing the virtues of humility and the dangers of pride.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, conceit is often linked with pride and arrogance, which are seen as precursors to downfall.
Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable consequences of conceit, suggesting that those who are overly self-assured are setting themselves up for failure.
The account of King Uzziah in
2 Chronicles 26 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of conceit. Uzziah's reign began with success and prosperity as long as he sought the Lord. However, his heart became proud, leading to his downfall.
2 Chronicles 26:16 notes, "But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God."
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament continues to address the issue of conceit, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and community life. In
Romans 12:3 , the Apostle Paul advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." This exhortation encourages believers to maintain a humble perspective, recognizing their dependence on God's grace.
In
Philippians 2:3 , Paul further instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This verse underscores the importance of humility and selflessness, contrasting them with the destructive nature of conceit.
Theological ImplicationsConceit is often seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and community harmony. It can lead to a false sense of self-sufficiency, distancing individuals from reliance on God. The Bible consistently calls for humility, recognizing that all abilities and achievements are gifts from God.
James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"
Practical ApplicationsIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate humility by acknowledging their limitations and the contributions of others. This involves a conscious effort to avoid self-exaltation and to seek God's guidance in all endeavors. By doing so, believers can foster a spirit of unity and love within the body of Christ, reflecting the character of Jesus, who exemplified ultimate humility.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly use the term "conceit" frequently, the concept is woven throughout its teachings on pride and humility. The consistent biblical message is clear: conceit leads to separation from God and others, while humility opens the door to grace and community.
Topical Bible Verses
Jeremiah 9:23Thus said the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Topicalbible.orgRomans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
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Luke 18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
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Isaiah 5:21
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
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Proverbs 28:26
He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.
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Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.
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Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) An unduly high opinion of oneself.
2. (n.) Faculty of conceiving ideas; mental faculty; apprehension; as, a man of quick conceit.
3. (n.) Quickness of apprehension; active imagination; lively fancy.
4. (n.) A fanciful, odd, or extravagant notion; a quant fancy; an unnatural or affected conception; a witty thought or turn of expression; a fanciful device; a whim; a quip.
5. (n.) An overweening idea of one's self; vanity.
6. (n.) Design; pattern.
7. (v. t.) To conceive; to imagine.
8. (v. i.) To form an idea; to think.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONCEITkon-set': An idiomatic rendering of a phrase, phronimoi en heautois, inRomans 11:25;Romans 12:16; meaning literally, "wise with one's self," i.e. "in one's own opinion," or, as in parallel Old Testament passages (Proverbs 26:5, 12 the Revised Version, margin), "in his own eyes" (Hebrew `ayin).
Greek
2754. kenodoxia -- vainglory... 2755 (). Word Origin from kenodoxos Definition vainglory NASB Word Usage empty
conceit (1). vainglory, vanity,
conceit. From kenodoxos
...2755. kenodoxos -- vainglorious
... 2755 (from 2756 , "empty" and 1391 , "glory") -- properly, empty glory, ie driven
by personal " of grandeur"; "groundlessconceit" (); boasting "where there is...
3053. logismos -- a reasoning, a thought
... imagination, thought. From logizomai; computation, ie (figuratively) reasoning
(conscience,conceit) -- imagination, thought. see GREEK logizomai....
5187. tuphoo -- to be conceited, foolish
... From a derivative of tupho; to envelop with smoke, ie (figuratively) to inflate
with self-conceit -- high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud....
Strong's Hebrew
4906. maskith -- a showpiece, figure, imagination... 1), imaginations (1), settings (1).
conceit, imagery, picture, wish. From
the same as Sekuw; a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or
...5869. ayin -- an eye
... affliction, outward appearance, before, think best, color,conceit, be content.
Probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively...
Library
A ShortConceit of the Work of this Book, Treated by Question.
... HERE BEGINNETH THE SIXTH CHAPTER A shortconceit of the work of this book, treated
by question. A shortconceit of the work of this book, treated by question....
Self-Conceit. September 12.
... Self-Conceit. September 12. Self-conceit is the very daughter of self-will,
and of that loud crying out about I, and me, and mine...
There is no Reason for Self-Conceit.
... Chapter XXXIX."There is no reason for self-conceit. Foolish and inconsiderate
men, who have neither wisdom [170] nor instruction...
There is no Reason for Self-Conceit.
... The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Chapter XXXIX."There
is No Reason for Self-Conceit. Foolish and inconsiderate...
'Love Buildeth Up'
... It is a strange, sad result of superior intelligence or acquirements, that it so
often leads toconceit, to a false estimate of the worth and power of knowing...
Prayer and Humility
... In humility there is the total absence of pride, and it is at the very farthest
distance from anything like self-conceit. There is no self-praise in humility....
The Loftiness of Humility
... That may seem a strange saying, considering that self-conceit is the vice of all
others to which man is most given; the first sin, and the last sin, and that...
Two Fortresses
... is safe.11. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall
in his ownconceit'"Proverbs 18:10,11. The mere reading...
The Pietist and the Perfectionist.
... What is more conducive to spiritual pride than theconceit of an ever-advancing
holiness? Is not holiness the highest and most glorious attainment?...
The Hindrances to Mourning
... 3 Aconceit that this mourning will make us melancholy: we shall drown all our joy
in our tears. But this is a mistake.... 6 Aconceit of the smallness of sin....
Thesaurus
Conceit (14 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) An unduly high opinion of oneself. 2. (n.) Faculty of conceiving ideas;
mental faculty; apprehension; as, a man of quick
conceit.
...CONCEIT.
...Self-conceit (1 Occurrence)
Self-conceit. Self-complacency, Self-conceit. Self-condemned .... (n.)Conceit
of one's self; an overweening opinion of one's powers or endowments....
Conceited (14 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:16 of the same mind one toward another, not minding the high things, but
with the lowly going along; become not wise in your ownconceit; (See RSV NIV...
Vanity (100 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An inflation of mind upon slight grounds; empty pride inspired by an
overweeningconceit of one's personal attainments or decorations; an excessive...
Overflow (43 Occurrences)
... upon me. (KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Psalms 73:7 Their eyes bulge with fat. Their
minds pass the limits ofconceit. (See RSV). Psalms 78...
Opinion (91 Occurrences)
... many are deceived by their own vain opinion" (hupolepsis, "a taking up," "a hasty
judgment"), the Revised Version (British and American) Theconceit of many...
Overweening (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Unduly confident; arrogant; presumptuous;
conceited. 2. (n.)Conceit; arrogance. Multi-Version Concordance...
Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab
also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit....
Loftily (4 Occurrences)
... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab
also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit....
Loftiness (10 Occurrences)
... The second is found only in Jeremiah 48:29, where the loftiness of Moab
also means his haughtiness, his groundless self-conceit....
Resources
What does the Bible say about conceit / being conceited? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.orgConceit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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