We know from 1 Corinthians 8:1 that knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Verse 2 says, “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”

Philippians 2:3 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

When pride rises up within us, we need to bow low. Pride is a mindset that is poured into the mould of SELF. The world system is geared to self. Romans 12:2 J B Phillips says, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within…”

Spiritual freedom is a mind-set-on-Christ that overcomes all temptation to rise up in pride. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Verse 8 says, “…He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

Disobedience is rooted in pride. We obey the Lord through a heart of submission in a posture of humility. Ephesians 4:1-2 says, “…walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.”

In summary, here are words that describe humility from the above verses: edify, esteem, obedience, submission, lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and love.

Consider these when you are tempted to answer someone or act out in pride. They all exhibit the character of Christ.