12 Bible Verses About Self Righteousness

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about self righteousness

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about self righteousness:

1. Romans 3:10 – “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”
2. Proverbs 30:12 – “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.”
3. Isaiah 64:6 – “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
4. Luke 18:9 – “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.”
5. Matthew 23:28 – “Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
6. Philippians 3:9 – “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

7. Galatians 6:3 – “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”
8. 1 John 1:8 – “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
9. Romans 10:3 – “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
10. Proverbs 21:2 – “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”
11. Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
12. 1 Corinthians 4:4 – “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”

What does the bible say about self righteousness?

The Bible warns against self-righteousness, which is the belief that one is morally superior to others.

It emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The Bible teaches that true righteousness comes from faith in God and His grace, not from one’s own actions or accomplishments.

It also cautions against judging others and exalting oneself, as this can lead to pride and a lack of compassion.

Instead, the Bible encourages believers to focus on loving others, showing mercy, and seeking God’s will in all things.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about self righteousness?

1. Luke 18 – This chapter includes the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, which highlights the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of humility before God.

2. Romans 2 – This chapter discusses the hypocrisy of those who judge others while failing to live up to their own standards, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and humility.

3. Matthew 23 – In this chapter, Jesus condemns the religious leaders of his time for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy, warning against the dangers of outward displays of piety without true inner transformation.

These chapters are relevant to self-righteousness because they emphasize the importance of humility, genuine repentance, and a recognition of our own sinfulness before God. They caution against the dangers of pride and self-righteousness, reminding us that true righteousness comes from a humble and contrite heart.

Ideas and concepts related to self righteousness that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Pride: The concept of pride is closely related to self-righteousness in the Bible. Pride is often seen as a sin that leads to self-righteousness, as individuals become overly confident in their own abilities and righteousness, leading them to look down on others and believe they are better than them.

2. Hypocrisy: Another concept related to self-righteousness in the Bible is hypocrisy. This is when individuals pretend to be righteous or moral, but in reality, they are not living according to their own standards. Self-righteousness can lead to hypocrisy as individuals may project an image of righteousness to others while not truly living up to those standards.

3. Judgment: The Bible warns against self-righteous judgment of others, as it is not our place to judge others. Self-righteousness can lead individuals to harshly judge and condemn others for their perceived shortcomings or sins, without recognizing their own faults.

4. Legalism: Legalism is another concept related to self-righteousness in the Bible. Legalism is the strict adherence to a set of rules or laws in order to attain righteousness. Self-righteous individuals may focus on following rules and regulations to prove their own righteousness, rather than relying on grace and mercy.

Overall, these concepts in the Bible serve as warnings against self-righteousness, reminding individuals to remain humble, avoid hypocrisy, refrain from harsh judgment, and rely on grace rather than legalism.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.