5 Signs You Might Have Haughty Eyes (and Why God Hates It)

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes…” — Proverbs 6:16–17

It’s a chilling thought: God hates something. Not dislikes. Not disapproves of. Hates.

And the first on that list?
Haughty eyes—a prideful look, a heart lifted up in arrogance, superiority, or self-worship. At first glance, we may think: That’s not me. I’m not arrogant.
But the truth is, in our culture—especially in America—haughty eyes are not only normalized, but they’re also celebrated.

So how do you know if this subtle but deadly sin has crept into your heart?
Here are 5 convicting signs—and why they’re so dangerous.

1. You see yourself as better than others—especially those with less

This isn’t about confidence. This is about comparison.
You look down on the man begging on the corner or think you’re wiser than the single mom in the checkout line.

You wouldn’t say it aloud, but you think things like:

“If they worked harder, they wouldn’t be in that situation.”
“They clearly didn’t make good decisions.”
“Thank God I’m not like them.”

That sounds a lot like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11, who thanked God not for grace, but for status.

Why This Is So Dangerous:

Because it twists God’s blessings into a measuring stick of superiority.
It says, my net worth = my spiritual worth.
But Jesus shattered that thinking.

“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” — Matthew 6:25
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” — Luke 12:15

God is not impressed by what we have—but by who we trust.
He wants our hearts to be content in Him, not in comparison to others. When we constantly measure what we don’t have—or what others do—we lose sight of gratitude. And a thankless heart becomes a prideful one.

Instead, God calls us to remember:

• He is the provider.

• Everything we have is from Him.

• Our identity is rooted in Him—not our income or image.

“I have learned the secret of being content… whether living in plenty or in want.” — Philippians 4:12

When we have more, we give.
When we have less, we give.
Either way, we live for Him, not for stuff.

2. You avoid or look down on people who can’t “add value” to your life

If someone can’t boost your brand, open a door for you, or elevate your image… you keep it moving. It might sound like strategy, but in God’s eyes, it’s sinful favoritism and pride.

Why This Is So Dangerous:

This mindset uses people instead of loving them.
It turns relationships into transactions and makes your goals more important than God’s command to love your neighbor.

God created everyone in His image (Genesis 1:27).
When we honor only the wealthy, influential, or “helpful,” we dishonor Him.

“Show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ…” — James 2:1
“You have dishonored the poor.” — James 2:6

Jesus didn’t avoid the broken. He sought them out.
He didn’t look for influencers—He ate with sinners, touched the unclean, sat with the forgotten. He didn’t climb a ladder—He washed feet.

“In humility, value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3

When you avoid the “unimportant,” you deny the Gospel.
God didn’t avoid you. He came near when you had nothing to offer.

You never know how God might use someone in your life—not for what they bring, but for who they are.

3. You constantly compare—but always come out on top (or defeated)

Comparison is sneaky.
Sometimes it fuels pride. Sometimes it fuels insecurity.
Either way, it centers on you—and not on God.

And today, comparison is everywhere.
We used to compare with a few classmates, coworkers, or neighbors.
Now we compare ourselves to the whole world with every scroll on our phones.

Why This Is So Dangerous:

Comparison used to be a whisper. Now it’s a megaphone.
You’re constantly exposed to other people’s wins, and it makes your life feel small.

You see:

• The influencer’s home

• The entrepreneur’s success

• The couple’s vacation

• The fitness guru’s body
  …and suddenly your life feels behind.

But this cycle is crushing our souls.

It breeds:

• Envy

• Insecurity

• Pride

• Discontent

• Anxiety

• Depression

And worst of all? It kills gratitude.

“Give thanks in all circumstances…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Each one should test their own actions… without comparing…” — Galatians 6:4

Can you imagine the emotional weight of comparing yourself to billions? What if you let go? What if you loved your life—your moments, your blessings—and simply thanked God?

If you had a week to live, you wouldn’t care about who has more followers or a nicer kitchen.
You’d be present.
You’d be thankful.
You’d be free.

That’s what God wants for you.

4. You take the credit for your success

You’ve worked hard. Made sacrifices. Achieved your goals.

But here’s the danger:
You start saying, “I built this.”
Instead of: “God allowed me to build this.”

That subtle shift can harden your heart fast.

Why This Is So Dangerous:

Because it replaces worship with self-glory.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Read that again: nothing.

You’re not the source. God is.
You’re the branch—He’s the tree.
Your success, strength, strategy, and even your breath—it all flows from Him.

When we forget this, pride creeps in.
But when we remember, it humbles us—and liberates us.

Personally, I’ve struggled with this.
I’ve said, “Look what I did.”
But God is teaching me to say, “Look what God allowed.”

That one shift:

• Frees me from pressure

• Re-centers my purpose

• Points all glory to Him

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 1:31

I am nothing.
He is everything.
And my life? It’s meant to point to Him.

Even my legacy—it’s okay if I’m forgotten.
That’s how it’s supposed to be.
He must increase; I must decrease (John 3:30).

5. You secretly feel like God owes you

These hides deep.
It looks like this:

• “Why did they get blessed and not me?”

• “After all I’ve done, I deserve more.”

• “I’ve been faithful… so where’s my breakthrough?”

It’s subtle entitlement. And it reveals a heart that’s serving for reward—not for love.

Why This Is So Dangerous:

Because it turns God into a transactional ATM instead of a holy, generous Father.

God doesn’t owe us anything.
Yet in mercy, He gave us everything—starting with Jesus.

When we feel “owed,” we begin to manipulate God with our goodness.
But God isn’t looking for deals. He’s looking for hearts that love Him—with or without reward.

“If I give all I possess to the poor… but do not have love, I gain nothing.” — I Corinthians 13:3

True worship is when we say:

• Even if You don’t bless me, I’ll still praise You.

• Even if the door doesn’t open, I’ll still trust You.

• Because You are worthy—not because I’m worthy.

Final Thought:

Pride doesn’t always shout.
Sometimes it looks spiritual. Sometimes it looks successful.
But in the end, it exalts self—and not God.

Haughty eyes are not just a look. They’re a heart posture.

But the good news? “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6 God is ready to pour out grace if you’ll lay down pride.

So ask yourself:

• Where have I been looking down on others?

• Where have I taken credit that belongs to God?

• Where have I compared instead of given thanks?

And then say the most powerful words a prideful heart can say:

“Lord, I’m sorry. Make me humble again.”

A Prayer for Humility and Grace

Father God,
Thank You that You know our hearts better than we do.
We confess the times we have lifted ourselves up, looked down on others, and taken credit that belongs to You alone.
Forgive us for the pride that blinds us to Your grace and the needs of those around us. Help us to see people as You see them—precious image-bearers worthy of love and respect. Teach us to be content in every season, to give generously from a thankful heart, and to depend fully on You, the true Vine.
Restore our humility and remind us daily that we are nothing apart from You.
May all our success and every good thing point others back to Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your Next Step

If this message convicted your heart today, don’t let it stop here.

• Take a moment to reflect honestly: Where have I allowed pride to grow?

• Ask God to reveal those areas and surrender them to Him.

• Choose one practical step this week to walk in humility—whether that’s reaching out to someone you’ve judged, giving generously, or unplugging from comparison culture.

Pride loses when grace wins. Let God’s grace win in your life today. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend who might need the encouragement too.