• Luke 18:9-14
    Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
     
  • Revelation 3:17-19
    Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
     
  • Romans 10:2-3
    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
     
  • Ecclesiastes 7:15-20
    I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
    There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
    And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
    Do not be overly righteous,
    Nor be overly wise:
    Why should you destroy yourself?
    Do not be overly wicked,
    Nor be foolish:
    Why should you die before your time?
    It is good that you grasp this,
    And also not remove your hand from the other;
    For he who fears God will escape them all.
    Wisdom strengthens the wise
    More than ten rulers of the city.
    For there is not a just man on earth who does good
    And does not sin.

     
  • Matthew 23:25-26
    “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
     
  • 1 Corinthians 10:12
    Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
     
  • 2 Corinthians 10:12
    For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Self Righteousness


Resources

Overcoming (Part 3): Self-Righteousness

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Self-righteousness, a root of Laodiceanism, is a most difficult sin to recognize since it is a matter of attitude rather than action. It is complacency in its worst form, involving regarding oneself as more virtuous than others despite a deficient spiritual condition. This lie was first introduced by helel out of his rebellious …


Was Job Really Self-Righteous?

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Self-righteousness is defined as being smugly proud of one's own opinion and intolerant of others. What Job repented of was his misunderstanding of God.


On Self-Righteousness

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Self-righteousness is a critical area to examine as it lies at the root of many other sins. It is inherent in human nature due to our self-centered carnality, following as surely as water runs downhill. Isaiah 64:6 reveals that all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags when compared to God's own righteousness, a judgment made …


Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Self-righteousness is a dangerous quality that God opposes, as it stems from pride, which He resists while giving grace to the humble. Many carry an image of themselves in their heart, desiring to project a persona to others, often driven by pride rather than a true reflection of God's image. This pride creates a false …


Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job, despite being described by God as blameless and upright, fell into a trap of self-righteousness during his severe trial. Over the course of his suffering, his spiritual focus turned inward, fixating on himself rather than on God. This attitude problem manifested as an unrighteous mindset, where he accused God of mistreating …


Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14 sharply contrasts self-righteousness with humility. The Pharisee embodies the self-righteous worshipper, trusting in his own righteousness and despising others, counting them as nothing. This religious egotism leads him to believe he is safe from God's judgment, …


Forgiveness and Reconciliation

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

Forgiveness from God is directly tied to our forgiving those who have sinned against us! We must reciprocate God's forgiveness by forgiving others.


Delusions of Perfection

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Self Righteousness