Is pride a sin in Judaism?

Question

As a Jew-by-choice, I've never heard pride mentioned in a derogatory manner, but have often heard Christians mention the evils of pride.

I know that the highest form of a mitzvah is to donate anonymously to an anonymous recipient, but it seems to me that any mitzvah is a good mitzvah.

I know that pride isn't a positive, but is it actually evil?

Christians, I know you have opinions, but the opinions I'm looking for are from knowledgeable Jews.
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Answer 1

Well pride is a big part of being Jewish. I mean it's pretty hard to live the life of a Jew without being proud to be Jewish, without being proud of being whatever you are. I've always thought that when they said "pride" they meant "zeal" which in Judaism can be a good thing or a bad thing. A while back my rabbi was giving this interesting talk about the parshah that week (it was Pinchas) and he was talking about zeal and how it's not always from G-d, and the times it's not from G-d it's something you should work on--but when the zeal is from G-d, it's something to be proud of.

Answer 2

The general attitude, especially from Chassidic sources, seems to be that pride is a bad thing. I quote from Chabad.org (which is quoting from something called Tzava'at Harivash): "Pride, even the slightest thought of it, is a very grave matter. 1 Any ulterior motive derives from pride. Every thought is a complete structure. 2 [With pride, therefore,] one causes a serious blemish Above and “repels the feet of the Shechinah,” as it is written 'Every one who is proud in heart is an abomination to God.' "

On the other hand, having low self-esteem is also a bad thing. You're not supposed to put yourself down. You can't accomplish anything worthwhile if you think you're not worthwhile.

From what I understand, there are two types of pride. There's satisfaction in your accomplishments, and then there's arrogance, where you think that you're better than other people and that your successes come from yourself, not God. The first type is ok, as long as you don't get too carried away, and the second type is forbidden.

This article http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach.htm/aid/2854/jewish/A-Speck-of-Flour.html is about good pride vs. bad pride. It might help clear things up a bit.

Answer 3

You have to remember that there is a big difference between how Jews see life and how Christians see life.

Jews see value, worth and inherent goodness in each person. Christians on other hand believe that people are evil and corrupt and nothing good can come from them. They beleive that people have pride because they believe they have vaule and that ultimately this leads them to try to be good outside of G-d. Pride for Christians means to think you have goodness outside of G-d's mercy through Jesus.

Jews on the other hand believe that one should have pride - as long as that pride does not get in the way of ones relationship with G-d. Remember that one of the main goals is to do G-d's will on earth. To do mitzvah and to find union with G-d. Pride doesn't necessarly mean something bad. One can have pride in what one has achieved. But if that pride distances that person from G-d then it is an negative thing.

This is the same type of idea as life. Jews believe life is to be enjoyed as long as it is not over indulged in or action are not taken that lead one away from G-d. Christians on the other hand beleive that life is corrupt through original sin, that nothing good can happen ultimately and that they are to escape this life in order to be with G-d.

Answer 4

From my perspective, we have no problem at all with pride. Pride, I think, is in fact a positive. The problem comes when pride turns to bragging and arrogance--that's where the problem starts.

The issue of anonymous giving has more to do with not embarrassing the recipient, and not making the donor feel as if the recipient somehow "owes" him/her something. It makes the act more pure.

Answer 5

Like with anything else, there needs to be a balance in life. Pride itself is not evil, but if it's taken to an extreme level it can be debilitating. In all things moderation is key.

Answer 6

MY 2 cents on it, from my inteperetation and understanding of things, is that pride is not inherently wrong, per se,

BUT

if its not kept in check, and tethered to the proper situations, it can cause wrong thoughts actions and behaviors.

for example, pride in relation to God could make you behave inappropriately and not recognize your place, relative to God.

a comparative example, a small measure of "lust" towards your spouse, under control, such to add passion to right and holy applications of making love, is not "bad" at all. ... but that same emotion applied in the wrong way, and/or without appropriate self control, could be extremely bad.

what can one do that is worthy of pride? and what is the harm in taking a measured amount of pride in something you accomplish, as long as that does not cause you to err in more signifigant manners? (harming others, not appropriately caring about others, not respecting God and appriciating your place in things, ect.

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>>"The angel Lucifer was banished from heaven because of pride and the fall of man in the Garden of Eden is the original sin"<<

neither of those exist in Judaism. in Judaism angels were not given free will as we were, and thusly that event simply never occured.
and theres no original sin in Judaism either.

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so as a bottom line, Pride would only be a sin, if it is allowed to get out of control and cause you to sin in other ways. (such as not respecting God, or other people as you should)

Answer 7

i will respond to for Islam :) Muslims don't think in unique sin, yet we've faith that the 1st sin of devil grew to become into satisfaction. There are 2 categories of satisfaction highlighted in Islam. One is a favorable satisfaction, this is satisfaction on your loved ones, community, way of existence, and God etc. besides the undeniable fact that, there's a various satisfaction, this is linked with conceitedness. it is the satisfaction of devil, and is likewise at cases modern-day in satisfaction of God, relatives, community, and way of existence etc, while this is not advantageous and reasons no injury to others. So satisfaction is tremendous as long as this is advantageous, and wakeful of God and others. besides the undeniable fact that, satisfaction that likens conceitedness, is likely certainly one of the applicable sins in Islam. It saddens me that this style of super style of of my brothers are sisters from all religions and backgrounds be afflicted by the later.

Answer 8

Pride is a normal human emotion. We are counselled to keep watch that pride does not drive us to inappropriate behaviours- but it is not sinful in itself to be proud! ANything can lead to both positive and negative behaviours- if you are proud that your teachings lead a student to be a great Rabbi lead you to teach others- that is a good form of pride. If that same pride leads you to boast about your teaching ability as being the reason he became a great Rabbi- then that is a negative form of pride. It all depends on what it drives you to. If it drives you to positive behaviour that is benefecial to all- then fine. If it is going to drive you to negative behaviout, then you must avoid it! But the same applies to emotions that are often seen as "good" such as humility. While we are told to not be proud, and to be humble- we are also warned against excessive humility! SOmeone who has great knowledge- but is so humble that they see themselves as worthless, and refuse to teach because of that perception- is engaged in a negative behaviour- albeit we see humility as a a positive character trait!

In summary- every character trait can be positive or negative, it all depends on what behaviour it drives and how it affects our actions.

Answer 9

Pride is foolishness and arrogance

Answer 10

Just remember what happened to Moses...

pride is punished