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 attitude, becoming greater and more righteous in his own eyes than his Creator. Being righteous in our own eyes spiritually exposes our sin to God. A self-righteous person often cannot see his sin for what it is, remaining determined to keep his own opinion of himself despite reasoning from others. Like the Laodiceans, such individuals fail to recognize their true condition, with their sinful attitudes polluting their deeds and tainting their prayers, sacrifices, offerings, and praises, which God deeply detests. Manifestations of self-righteousness include praying or acting to be noticed, with an attitude focused on oneself rather than genuine devotion. This can show in thinking others do not live up to personal standards, often leading to correcting, judging, and complaining about others. Everyone has at least some problem with self-righteousness, as it is rooted in self-centeredness. Constantly using oneself as an example of how to do something right, or being described as holier-than-thou for a superior attitude, reveals this flaw. Self-righteousness sometimes manifests outwardly as righteousness, giving the appearance of virtue while lacking true wisdom and understanding. Even obeying God's law for reasons of pride and personal gain cannot prevent self-righteousness, unlike good deeds that should quietly shine as a light. In comparison, self-righteousness is formal conformity to legal requirements based in human nature, rejecting God as the righteous standard. It destroys a relationship's unity due to its self-centered nature. True righteousness, being God-centered, involves submission and conformity to His will, producing a right relationship that unifies in the church and in God's Kingdom.

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 by God Himself. Human nature often compares itself to others rather than to God, making the self appear better by human standards, yet Jesus in Matthew 7:11 judges even ordinary people as evil despite their good acts, aligning with the truth that no one is good but God alone. In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14, the self-righteous are shown to think highly of themselves, looking down on others based on qualities they esteem, which can extend to any personal achievement or skill. The key difference lies in recognition of spiritual poverty; the tax collector appeals for mercy, aware of his lack, while the Pharisee boasts of his accomplishments, ignorant of his true state. Being poor in spirit, as noted in Matthew 5:3, is vital as it leads one to realize they have nothing of spiritual value to offer God, prompting them to seek His qualities rather than boast of their own. The episode in Luke 7:36-48 with the sinful woman washing Christ's feet further illustrates overcoming self-righteousness through awareness of one's sins and recognition of forgiveness. The woman, knowing her spiritual poverty and Jesus' love, pours out acts of love in response to her indebtedness, while the Pharisee, blind to his own poverty and to who Jesus is, feels no such debt or need for forgiveness. Self-righteousness is thus rooted in spiritual ignorance of what we are compared to God, not merely what we do compared to others, rendering the self-righteous blind to true spiritual richness and to knowing God. Paul in Philippians 3:3 exemplifies the rejection of confidence in the flesh, counting his impressive human achievements as rubbish compared to knowing Christ. This pattern urges a deeper comprehension of the spiritual differences between us and God, leading to seeking forgiveness and appreciating Christ with a clearer understanding of these essential truths.

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 impression, concealing the reality of one's character behind a smokescreen of conceit and high-mindedness, revealing a heart full of contempt for God and fellow man through a lack of fear of God and disobedience. Pride blinds a person to their own sin, fostering an exaggerated sense of self-worth and independence, making them believe they are above correction or need for salvation. Such a person cherishes their own goodness, unaware of their spiritual poverty and the vast difference between themselves and God's holiness. This self-righteousness, as seen in Job's initial attitude, leads to a mindset of blaming God for personal calamities and asserting one's own righteousness over His justice, presuming an equality with Him that is unfounded. True humility, in contrast, is an internal matter of the heart, not merely an outward appearance. It involves recognizing one's spiritual bankruptcy and utter dependence on God, renouncing self-will and preconceived notions to seek Him wholeheartedly. A person poor in spirit empties themselves of pride, acknowledging their unworthiness before God and their need for His guidance in every facet of life. This transformation, as Job eventually experienced, shatters false self-images and brings a deep revulsion for one's former arrogance, leading to a broken and contrite heart that God can lift up. God calls for a sober self-assessment, urging individuals not to think more highly of themselves than they ought, but to submit to Him with humility. By resisting the devil, drawing near to God, cleansing one's heart, and humbling oneself in His sight, a person opens the way for God to exalt them. Humility is a choice, empowered by God, requiring the discipline to reject self-justification and embrace submission, which leads to true success in all areas of life through dependence on Him.