Everyone makes mistakes. Those who act holier than thou rarely admit them.

People with a holier-than-thou attitude look down on others.

Because they view themselves as better than everyone else, they show:

• Pride – “Look how great I am.”
• Disrespect – “What you think or feel matters little.”
• Rudeness – “Get out of my way.”
• Contempt – “You disgust me.”

Holier-than-thou people are self-righteous.

Truly righteous people love and care for others. Self-righteous people show a hateful, non-caring attitude. Like wolves in sheep’s clothing, they are not what they pretend to be.

The Bible says to be holy. It does not say to be holier than thou.

This expression comes from Isaiah 65:5 (KJV).  Isaiah listed behaviors that displease God. His list included the pride and hypocrisy of those who say, “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.”

Rather than focus on themselves, genuinely holy people focus on God and others. They are the real McCoy. Like  a church steeple, they stand tall and point toward God.

“Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV).

Thanks to Judy Corbin  for the suggestion.

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