The third mark of spiritual pride is that it lead a a man to speak and carry himself in such a way as to give a pretense of superior godliness. Edwards observed,
Spiritual pride often causes persons to act different in external appearance, to effect a different way of speaking, to use a different sort of dialect from others, or to be different in voice, countenance or behavior.
The fourth mark of spiritual pride is that quickly takes offense whenever it perceives it is being attacked. Edwards explained,
Spiritual pride takes great notice of opposition and injuries that are received and is prone to be often speaking of them and to be much in taking notice of their aggravation, either with an air of bitterness or contempt.
A fifth mark of spiritual pride is that it loves the praise of men. As Edwards suggested,
Another effect of spiritual pride is to make the subject of it want attention. People often tend to act in a special manner as though others ought to take great notice and regard of them. It is very natural to a person that is very much under the influence of spiritual pride to take all the respect that is paid to him.
Finally, spiritual pride manifests itself in a disdain for others (especially unbelievers or weak believers) in such a way that it refuses to spend time in conversation with them. Edwards offered the following:
As spiritual pride causes persons to assume much to themselves, so it treats others with neglect. On the contrary, pure Christian humility disposes persons to honor all men as from 1 Peter 2:17. To enter into disputes about Christianity is sometimes unseasonable, such as in meeting for Christian conference or for exercises of worship.
Yet, we ought to be very careful that we do not refuse to converse with carnal men, as though we counted them not worthy to be regarded. On the contrary, we should condescend to carnal men as Christ has condescended to us, to bear with our unteachableness and stupidity.
As we consider the nature and marks of spiritual pride, we should ask the Lord to help us discern in what ways these things are evident in our own hearts. We should examine our thoughts, words, and actions in regard to how we perceive our spiritual condition and how we compare ourselves with others. When we consider ourselves in light of God’s requirement of perfect, personal, and perpetual obedience, we are left with no place for pride to dwell in our sinful hearts. When we come to the foot of the cross and seeing the sinless Son of God suffering under the wrath of God for our sin, we will be grieved over even the least uprising of sinful spiritual pride in out hearts. A due consideration of our true spiritual condition in light of God’s moral requirements and the atoning sacrifice of Christ should produce true spiritual humility in every place where we have allowed spiritual pride to dwell.
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