44 Common Examples Of Pride In Everyday Life: Stay Away

(Last Updated On: August 7, 2023)

There are a lot of examples of pride in everyday life! The state of having great regard for oneself or another is known as pride. The pleasure a dad feels when his child graduates from college is an example of pride. To indulge in sentiments of self-satisfaction is to be proud. Being exceedingly pleased with one’s sewing abilities is an example of pride. This article will feature examples of pride in everyday life!

Pride is defined as 1: a fair and acceptable sense of worthiness: self-respect. 2: a sense of superiority over others. 3: a feeling of pleasure derived from an action or property Parents are proud of their children’s achievements. 4: a person or object that makes a person proud That automobile is the pride and pleasure of my life.

We are unable to acknowledge our human weaknesses because of pride. “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake,” we can’t speak because of our shame-driven pride. When pride is in charge, we feel we are always correct. This makes it difficult to maintain close connections; no one wants to be around someone who knows everything. Stay with us for some examples of pride in everyday life!

Three varieties of pride are identified: dignity, superiority, and arrogance; their mental constituents are identified; and two experimental investigations are provided showing that they are transmitted by distinct combinations of a grin, eyebrow, eyelid positions, and head posture.

When we do or say things for the aim of others praising our SELF, making our SELF feel good, or placing our SELF ahead of someone else’s SELF, we are displaying unhealthy pride. Even when we’re not in the room, pride wants our SELF to be praised, given honor, revered, and spoken about.

The feeling of self-respect and dignity that one feels inside oneself is referred to as “good pride.” It is critical for people to have this kind of pride in order to build confidence. A person should not feel useless or insecure, but rather proud of his or her accomplishments. However, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing.

Favorable pride is defined as “a pleasant, often exciting sensation that emerges from a positive self-evaluation” in psychological terms. It’s just another way of stating you have a strong feeling of self-worth when you’re pleased with yourself. People who are proud of themselves have a strong sense of self-worth, are pleased and thankful, and are terrific motivators. Keep going for learning about examples of pride in everyday life.

Different profiles of goal regulation, emotional inclinations, and self-control were associated with the two forms of pride. Authentic pride was associated with self-control, but hubristic pride was associated with impulsivity and aggressiveness.

Pride is frequently fueled by feelings of inadequacy and humiliation. We have such low self-esteem that we compensate by feeling superior. We search for defects in others in order to hide our own. We like criticizing others as a shield against admitting our own flaws.

Demeaning others or having any antipathy to them are both examples of pride. We compete and strive to defeat others instead of supporting self-growth. Excessive arrogance stifles the development of other qualities. Recognizing our shortcomings or failures becomes too uncomfortable.

Because pride drives us to consider others’ thoughts and ideas as well as our own, it can motivate individuals to strive for achievement and act compassionately. Further study has discovered that an internal sense of pride—feeling proud of something regardless of what others think—has its own set of benefits. It’s time to learn about examples of pride in everyday life.

Characteristics of Pride

The challenge of donning humility arises when one fails to acknowledge their own pride. To comprehend the characteristics of pride, let us explore the following aspects:

1. Preoccupied with Others’ Opinions

Consumed by the fear of man, they become chronic people-pleasers, constantly seeking approval and validation from others.

2. Defensive and Judgmental

Refusing to take responsibility for their actions, they deflect blame, attacking others instead. Seeking revenge, they trivialize, rationalize, and justify their own sins while judging others by their self-made standards. Admission of their own wrongdoing or asking for forgiveness is a rare occurrence.

3. Resistant to Authority and Disrespectful

Proud individuals display their pride through resistance to authority and a lack of respect. Their focus is rarely on the welfare of others. They judge and assess others solely based on their support for their own concerns and ministry. Offering unsolicited preferences without compassion or consideration for others, they present an unapproachable demeanor. Even when flaws are pointed out, they quickly retort, minimizing the issues and moving on without genuine reflection.

4. Lacking Prayer and Service

Instead of engaging in biblical prayer, selfless service, and sacrificial love, they exude touchiness, irritability, and hypersensitivity.

5. Devastated by Criticism

Proud souls are deeply wounded by criticism, unable to handle or learn from it constructively.

6. Poor Listening

Proud individuals struggle to truly listen, composing their responses while others speak, prioritizing their own voices above all else.

7. Explosions of Anger and Emotional Retreat

Proud souls are prone to outbursts of anger, withdrawing, pouting, moodiness, and impatience when their rights or schedules face disruption.

8. Perfectionistic Aspirations

Those seeking perfection in all endeavors are also ensnared by pride, for such pursuits are fundamentally self-serving. They incessantly boast and turn every conversation back to themselves, much like Garfield in the cartoon, expecting Odie to talk about him for a change. Their self-importance, abilities, and talents become inflated in their own eyes.

9. Inability to Learn

Prideful individuals are unteachable, convinced that they possess all knowledge, superior to others, and incapable of gaining new insights.

10. Sarcastic and Hurtful

They resort to jesting and hurtful remarks, dismissing their behavior as “just the way they are.” Whether self-identifying as A-type, dominant, choleric, lion, beaver, or mule, they use these labels to justify their acerbic demeanor.

11. Craving Praise and Coaxing

They yearn for constant praise and expect others to coax them into serving. Initiating or committing to righteous actions simply to please God is an alien concept to them. When faced with a cold environment, instead of taking the initiative to warm it up, they remain self-consumed, jealous, envious, and unsupportive of others’ success. They cover up faults, rarely seek help, and present a facade of fakery and hypocrisy.

12. Craving Independence

Certain proud individuals find it arduous to work under someone else, resisting submission. They proclaim, “I don’t need anyone. I don’t require accountability for my faith and doctrine.” Others may belittle themselves outwardly but yearn for self-sufficiency within.

13. Veiled in Blindness

Pride cloaks itself in a shroud of smoke, obscuring its presence from view. Only when we stand in the reflection of God’s word, and by His grace, gain insight into our sins and their magnitude, can we pierce through this haze. Many individuals can detect the flaws in others but remain oblivious to the speck in their own eyes. They may even casually admit, “I’m proud,” but swiftly dismiss it as trivial.

14. Unthankful Disposition

Proud individuals believe they are entitled solely to what is good, eroding their sense of gratitude. Why should they be thankful when they feel deserving of more? Consequently, they may resort to complaints, criticism, and discontentment, seeing only the downside of everything, fostering a quarrelsome and divisive atmosphere. Such individuals become walking minus signs, leaving no one around them unaffected by their negativity.

15. Domineering and Inflexible

Proud individuals tend to dominate conversations, displaying rigid, stubborn, and headstrong behavior, intimidating others into accepting their perspective with a “my way or the highway” mentality.

How Does Pride Ruin Our Life?

3. The Unyielding Shield Against Constructive Criticism

Let us remind ourselves that no soul upon this terrestrial sphere attains perfection – not a single one. This universal truth entails that each of us harbors aspects amenable to improvement, oftentimes unbeknownst to our self-awareness. This is precisely where our relationships enter the fray.

Beyond mere camaraderie and feel-good companionship, healthy relationships encompass accountability. My cherished friends and I exercise consistent honesty with each other, accepting their input readily, for we recognize their loving intent and sincere desire to witness our growth.

Beware, for a true friend isn’t one who merely heaps praises but shirks from offering constructive critique. Many ensnared by pride remain ignorant of authentic relationships, pursuing mere sycophants instead of genuine companions.

1. The Eternal “I’m Always Right” Syndrome

Oh, here we go. It’s a veritable epidemic of individuals craving not genuine connections but rather the roles of teachers, imparting their infinite wisdom upon hapless souls. Admittedly, I can somewhat relate to this one, for I too enjoy exploring and sharing knowledge, often applauded for my discerning intellect. However, we must acknowledge that not everyone seeks instruction; some merely yearn for camaraderie and relaxation ( duly noted). Moreover, it’s crucial to grasp that even the most insightful perspective remains just that – an individual viewpoint.

Alas, an unsettling array of unnecessary conflicts unfolds both in the virtual realm and offline due to the refusal to entertain opinions diverging from one’s own. Proud souls morph into insufferable know-it-alls, habitually interrupting others, incapable of engaging with differing viewpoints with grace, and gravitating only towards the like-minded.

4. Neglecting Others in Favor of Self

This aspect of pride delves into subtler realms, for one can be seemingly generous and giving, all while harboring pride in their heart. How does this paradox manifest? Picture this: performing acts of kindness for others but promptly seeking credit by flaunting these deeds on social media. Or perhaps being willing to go the extra mile in a relationship, until it treads on personal convenience or causes even a hint of discomfort. Another example lies in someone requesting a favor, only for the prideful individual to deny them since they cannot discern any personal benefit.

Proud souls exude a facade of assistance and comfort, yet retreat when it entails sacrifice or discomfort on their part. As for my aforementioned friend, we thrived in harmony until my needs posed a challenge to their ego or threatened to dim their spotlight, at which point, I might as well have been invisible.

Should even benevolent acts towards others find a way back to self-serving interests, rest assured that pride is wreaking havoc on your relationships and character.

5. The Boastful “Humility”

Allow me to share a tale of a woman who confidently proclaimed, “I’m done apologizing for being beautiful.” A perplexing statement, indeed, as beauty apparently metamorphoses into an offense. Nonetheless, this is one of the most prideful declarations ever to escape someone’s lips.

Incredibly, there exists a phenomenon even more ludicrous – individuals who boast about their humility. I have a striking example of this peculiarity. A friend’s husband, notorious for his utter lack of self-awareness, somehow masks his conceit beneath a guise of humor, slipping through the cracks unnoticed.

Once, while discussing his uncanny ability to irk his employers, I ventured to suggest, “Perhaps it’s your pride.” Imagine my astonishment when he responded, a look of shock plastered across his face, “I am one of the most humble people you know.”

2. The Reluctance to Extend Apologies

It baffles me, truly, why some individuals find offering apologies such a daunting task. Not merely when they are proven wrong, but even when their actions inflict hurt upon others and it’s brought to their attention. Amongst the myriad ways my former friend’s pride manifested, this particular trait stung the most.

An apt comparison emerges in Kaitlyn Bristowe’s retort about navigating life post-breakup: “Sometimes you have to take it one ‘Are you f—king kidding me?!’ at a time.” Undeniably, there were instances where my friend’s conduct left me utterly devastated, yet not a single apology materialized – not even once.

Let us remember that an apology represents “a written or spoken expression of one’s regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another.” To offer such an apology embodies strength, not weakness. True strength emerges when apologies are tendered without justification or explanation, with a sincere resolve to avoid repeating the misdeed.

Should one revel in the knowledge of their transgressions, the harm they’ve inflicted, or the feelings they’ve wounded, without an iota of remorse or an apology, they epitomize not just pride but also pose a threat to those around them.

How Does Pride Grow in Our Hearts?

1. Fear – A Tangled Web of Anxiety

Pride lies at the root of fear and anxiety, as it spurns humble reliance on God’s sovereign care. In fearful moments, our lack of trust and our toxic self-reliance are laid bare. When Peter strode upon the tempestuous seas in humble faith, he walked in the light of divine assurance. But when his gaze shifted to circumstances and self-preservation, he succumbed to fear, sinking into the stormy depths. It was only through the Savior’s grace that he was lifted from the waves, with a gentle rebuke: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).

2. Entitlement – The Bane of Humility

From a humble heart springs forth self-sacrifice, while entitlement finds its roots in pride’s fertile soil. The essence of the gospel proclaims that we merit nothing but just punishment for our sins (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Yet, ensnared in self-deception, we deem ourselves worthy of more than we deserve. Entitlement blinds us to the truth, causing bitterness and frustration when life does not meet our presumed standards. In the eyes of pride, we forget that apart from Jesus, we are rebels who merit condemnation. The disciples themselves wrestled with entitlement, as they bickered about greatness. Jesus’s response stood as a poignant rebuke: “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves” (Luke 22:26).

3. Ingratitude – The Veil of Self-Centeredness

Pride convinces us of our goodness, justifying ingratitude when our desires remain unmet. The entitled heart contends that discomfort warrants complaint. Yet humility beholds the goodness of God, acknowledging that He provides all we need, leaving us with no reason for ingratitude (Deuteronomy 2:7; Psalm 34:9). The Israelites grumbled in the wilderness, rejecting God’s daily mercies due to their self-idolization. But God’s Word admonishes against such murmuring: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent” (Philippians 2:14-15).

4. People-Pleasing – The Masquerade of Self-Worship

Pride breeds self-worship and self-preservation, and people-pleasing emerges as its handmaiden. Some view this trait as virtuous, believing they serve others with utmost devotion. However, beneath the veneer lies the relentless pursuit of self-satisfaction, the fear of man eclipsing the fear of God, and a quest for fleeting approval. The apostle Paul eschewed the pursuit of human accolades, declaring, “Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

5. Prayerlessness – The Mirage of Self-Sufficiency

Pride deludes us into thinking that self-sufficiency reigns supreme, fostering independence and perceived invincibility. In the eyes of pride, God’s help, grace, mercy, courage, and hope are deemed unnecessary. Thus, the heart discards the need for prayer, an essential channel of communion with the Almighty. When God called Jonah to Nineveh, his response was not one of prayer, but rather, he fled in arrogance and defiance (Jonah 1:3). It was only in the belly of the fish that his heart humbled, prompting a cry of prayer (Jonah 2:1).

6. Hypocrisy – The Specter of Self-Exaltation

Pride exalts us, leading us to forget the mercy we have received, breeding fault-finding in others. Hypocrisy thrives in the shadows of pride. The Pharisees’ prideful blindness to their own sin and God’s mercy rendered them cold-hearted and harsh toward others. Jesus reserved harsh words for them: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27).

7. Rebellion – The Defiance of Divine Authority

Rebellion against God finds expression in resistance to His Word and ordained leaders. It is the reflex of a prideful heart, denying submission to God-ordained roles—wives to husbands, children to parents, employees to bosses, citizens to government. Rebellion presumes to know better than God Himself, as Adam and Eve did, disregarding His decrees. This ancient rebellion sowed seeds of pain, suffering, and death, a timeless legacy of defiance (Genesis 3).

Examples of pride in everyday life

Here are some common examples of pride in everyday life

Underestimate others

Not accepting criticism

Arrogant attitude, vanity, desire to look in the mirror often.

Displaying your income (money), clothes, cars, etc.

Not allowing others to help you.

Taking on an impossible job.

Working too much.

The humiliation of others and of yourself.

Thinking that you are better than others, bragging.

The ability to put an opponent at a disadvantage.

Thinking that you are always right.

Patronizing behavior.

A feeling of self-importance.

Having control over the situation, but not wanting to take responsibility for it.

Using the words that others don’t know, and you know about it.

Arguing restlessly.

Ingratitude (the biggest sin).

Ignoring “small” people.

Not paying attention to others.

Not realizing your pride and your problems.

The presence of an excitatory tone.

Raising your voice when angry or disappointed.

Creating an idol of yourself and of the other.

Changing the style of your behavior depends on who you are talking to.

Not obeying God, guru, rules of common sense, etc (rebelling against their authority).

Lack of self-respect.

Not paying attention or paying too much attention to your body.

Thoughts that you have to solve other people’s problems (when you are not asked about it).

Drawing others’ attention toward you.

Touchiness (in a bad way… The reason for that is a desire to control).

Talking too much or talking about your problems too much.

Excess touchiness or impassibility.

Being too busy about your own persona.

Thinking about what others think and say about you.

A feeling of your own uselessness.

No forgiveness of self and others.

Prejudicialness is based on people’s color of skin, clothes, jobs, etc.

Having too much self-respect.

Sarcasm and humor in order to put someone down, joking and laughing at others.

Folly and madness (doing something without thinking much about it).

Dishonesty towards yourself and others.

Not being able to compromise (not wanting when you could).

Desire to have the last word (you are right, but I have my own opinion).

Do not wish to share your knowledge in order to control the situation.

How to Overcome The Pride Of Life

1. Grasp the Perils of Pride

As you become attuned to the perils that accompany the pride of life and the imminent destruction it brings, a transformation occurs within you, urging you to embrace the path of humility.

Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that pride precedes destruction, exemplified by the tragic fall of Satan, once adorned with celestial glory, but consumed by pride and the desire to rival God. You, like many others, have likely witnessed the harrowing devastation that pride wreaks upon individuals who once soared but plummeted due to their hubris and arrogance.

Understanding these grave consequences renders pride and arrogance senseless, compelling you to adopt a life of humility, thus inviting the Lord to elevate you.

2. Abandon Carnal Comparisons

To eradicate the pride of life that has insidiously taken root over time, forsake the habit of carnally comparing yourself to others who may possess more or possess what you lack.

Philippians 4:11-13 instructs us to be content with all that we have, regardless of its abundance. Embracing godly contentment halts the insidious habit of comparing yourself to others. Conversely, discontentment may trigger comparisons, leading you to perceive yourself as superior when you possess more than those you compare yourself to, reinforcing your pride.

Comprehend that God is the bestower of wealth and prosperity, and this awareness will prevent you from succumbing to the pride of carnal comparisons, elevating yourself above those with lesser material possessions, as you recognize that everything you possess is a result of God’s grace.

3. Acknowledge Your Sinfulness and Repent

To embark on the journey of conquering the destructive pride of life, the crucial first step is to recognize and admit your inherent sinfulness. This prideful nature stems from the sinful core with which we are born, tempting us to seek self-exaltation and a sense of superiority over others.

Acknowledging the pride that makes us boastful and arrogant about our earthly accomplishments, leading us to believe we don’t need God or salvation, is paramount in overcoming this deadly sin. Proverbs 16:18 serves as a solemn reminder that pride only paves the way to destruction. To avert such ruin, the path to repentance opens by surrendering one’s life to God, thus allowing Him to transform us into new creatures characterized by meekness and humility.

4. Seek Humility Through Prayer

The final stride, after diligently undertaking the preceding steps, is to fervently pray and beseech God for a heart of humility, forsaking any inclination towards haughtiness or thinking too highly of yourself.

If you’ve struggled with being high-minded in the past, as you read these words, implore God to remove the spirit of haughtiness from your life, replacing it with a meek spirit, ensuring you steer clear of pride.

The presence of God’s meek spirit within you will anchor you in humility, disallowing you from boasting about your possessions, for you recognize that all you are and have emanated from God’s abundant grace, rather than your own efforts.

5. Seek God’s Gift of a Renewed Heart and Mind

Building upon the initial point, the second step to conquer the pride of life entails seeking God’s divine intervention in granting a new heart, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26. Embracing God fully invites the profound transformation of our innermost being, as He removes the prideful and sinful heart inherited from birth and replaces it with a new heart of flesh that fosters humility.

The natural inclination towards pride and resistance to submit to God’s word arises from the inherent sinful pride ingrained within us since birth. This inherent arrogance may lead us to believe we can navigate this world independently. However, genuine repentance culminates in the reception of a new heart, mind, and spirit that mold us into individuals characterized by meekness, humility, and a lowly spirit.

Final thought

Prayer is a humble attitude toward God. Answer pride with prayer when it comes knocking at your door. Request that He humbles you. Ask Him to search your heart and show where you’ve allowed pride to take control, and ask Him to use His power to help you break free from pride’s grasp on your life. Hopefully, these examples of pride in everyday life will help us to get rid of them.