If someone says I have haughty eyes does that mean I am bad? Good question. There was a popular song from fifty years ago that captured this haughty idea perfectly:
“You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht Your hat strategically dipped below one eye; Your scarf it was apricot You had one eye in the mirror, as you watched yourself gavotte. And all the girls dreamed that they’d be your partner, they’d be your partner and You’re so vain You probably think this song is about you… don’t you, don’t you?”
Written by: Simon, Carly E.
Definition
The expression “haughty eyes” is a figure of speech for pride and arrogance. In contemporary English, we say the haughty look down on someone.
“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not washed from its filthiness. There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up (Proverbs 30:13).”
Arrogance
Have you met someone with that arrogant attitude? We all have. Have you worked with someone who refused to perform a part of their job required of everyone else? And it wasn’t because they couldn’t work for some reason; they thought they were too good to do such a menial job. They refused to lower themselves to your level. I’m sure you remember how you felt.
Noses in Air
The Unclean
The Jewish leaders looked down (their noses) on the common people during Jesus’ time, They saw them as the unwashed multitude:
- Unclean because they didn’t keep the leader’s rules.
- They despised their lack of education.
- They thought they were sinners cursed by God.
The Proud
Pride is a barrier to entering the Kingdom of God:
“Children (Jesus referring to His disciples), how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle…. (Mark 10:24-25).”
Can’t Enter the Kingdom of God
What’s a “Rich Man”
Jesus said a rich man couldn’t enter the Kingdom of God. The view in the disciples’ culture was that God had specially blessed the person with riches and status, and His blessing was because they deserved it. In contrast, if a person was poor or disabled, God disapproved of them, and they deserved their condition because they had sinned.
Self-Sufficient
When Jesus and other Bible writers referred to a “rich man,” they emphasized the pride and self-sufficiency of the wealthy. Someone can be that type of rich man without wealth, but that’s not the norm for the disadvantaged. Because the rich live a comparatively easy life–they have everything money can buy–they’re unwilling to give up anything to follow Jesus. To give up what they have now, even for the promise of a hundred-fold return in eternity, takes faith.
God Tells Us About a Haughty Look
- (Psalm 101:5): “Whoever has a haughty look and a proud heart I will not endure.”
- (Prov. 6:17): “These…things the Lord hates: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”
- (Proverbs 8:13): “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance….”
- (Proverbs 21:4): “A high look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.”
- (Isa. 5:15): “The common man shall be brought down, and the great man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.”
God’s Servant
Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). He–though innocent Himself–died on the cross to provide our salvation.
A haughty eye is arrogant and looks down on others
If someone says I have haughty eyes does that mean I am bad? Jesus said an attitude of pride keeps someone from entering the Kingdom of God. God despises a haughty look, and Jesus came to serve God and humans by dying on the cross to provide salvation for those who believe. You can believe in Him today and be saved! Do you want to be saved today? Read this article to find out more.
7 Examples of Haughty Eyes
- Arrogant facial expression: A person with haughty eyes might raise their eyebrows or tilt their head back, giving off an air of superiority or disdain. This can be a way to communicate that they think they are better than others.
- Eye-rolling: Haughty eyes may be accompanied by frequent eye-rolling, a gesture that communicates contempt or impatience. This can be a way of dismissing others’ opinions or ideas as unimportant or irrelevant.
- Narrowed eyes: Narrowing one’s eyes can be a sign of haughtiness, as it might signal skepticism, judgment, or a feeling of superiority. This can make others feel small and disrespected.
- Dismissive glance: Haughty eyes might be accompanied by a dismissive glance, which occurs when a person quickly looks someone up and down in a way that seems to dismiss or belittle them. This can make the recipient feel as if they are not worth the person’s time or attention.
- Ignoring or avoiding eye contact: Deliberately avoiding eye contact with someone can be a sign of haughty eyes. This behavior can make the other person feel ignored or disrespected and can communicate a lack of interest in their thoughts or feelings.
- Staring contest: A person with haughty eyes might engage in a staring contest, where they hold a steady, unblinking gaze at another person to assert dominance. This can be intimidating and make the other person feel uncomfortable.
- Condescending smile: A condescending smile or smirk can accompany haughty eyes, where the person appears to be mocking or patronizing the other person. This can be a way of communicating that the individual feels superior or finds the other person’s ideas, opinions, or actions to be laughable.
Remember that context is important when interpreting facial expressions, and not all of these examples will necessarily indicate haughty eyes in every situation. It’s crucial to consider the person’s overall demeanor, tone of voice, and body language to better understand their intentions.
How to Stop Having Haughty Eyes
To stop having haughty eyes, you need to be aware of your facial expressions and body language and work on changing these habits. Here are some steps to help you avoid displaying haughty eyes:
- Self-awareness: Begin by becoming more aware of your facial expressions and body language. You can practice in front of a mirror, record yourself speaking, or ask a trusted friend or family member to give you feedback.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to become more present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can help you recognize when you might be feeling superior or dismissive and give you an opportunity to adjust your facial expressions and body language accordingly.
- Practice empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes and consider their feelings, perspectives, and experiences. Developing empathy can help you approach others with more compassion and respect, reducing the likelihood of displaying haughty eyes.
- Focus on your eye contact: Make an effort to maintain appropriate eye contact during conversations. Avoid staring, rolling your eyes, or avoiding eye contact. Instead, try to strike a balance between attentive and respectful eye contact.
- Adjust your facial expressions: Be conscious of your facial expressions, such as raised eyebrows, smirks, or condescending smiles. Practice neutral or positive expressions, like a genuine smile, that can help you appear more approachable and open to others.
- Work on your body language: Pay attention to your overall body language, including posture, gestures, and head movements. Adopt open and welcoming body language, such as standing or sitting up straight with your shoulders back and maintaining a relaxed stance.
- Practice active listening: Show genuine interest in others’ thoughts and ideas by actively listening to them. Nod your head, ask follow-up questions, and give verbal cues to demonstrate your engagement and attentiveness.
- Seek feedback: Ask for honest feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues about your facial expressions and body language. This can help you identify areas for improvement and monitor your progress.
- Be patient: Changing habits takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself as you work on reducing haughty eyes and be open to learning from your experiences.
- Reflect on your values: Remind yourself of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. Keeping these values in mind can help you maintain a humble and compassionate demeanor, which can prevent haughty eyes.
Rid Yourself of Haughtiness
Cultivating a relationship with God through the forgiveness and salvation offered by His Son, Jesus Christ, can play a significant role in ridding yourself of haughtiness and filling you with the Fruit of the Spirit. As you develop a deeper connection with God, you will be more inclined to display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, all of which are fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
In this journey, consider the following steps:
- Accept God’s forgiveness and salvation: Recognize your need for forgiveness and accept the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This humbling experience can help you see yourself and others from a new perspective and remind you of the importance of humility.
- Study the Bible: Regularly read and study the Bible to learn more about God’s character, Jesus’ teachings, and the principles of Christianity. By understanding and internalizing these teachings, you can develop a more compassionate and humble heart.
- Pray and meditate: Develop a habit of daily prayer and meditation, asking God to transform your heart and mind. As you grow closer to God, He can help you overcome haughtiness and replace it with the Fruit of the Spirit.
- Be part of a community: Join a local church or faith community where you can fellowship with other believers. This can provide support, accountability, and encouragement as you strive to grow spiritually and overcome haughtiness.
- Serve others: Actively seek out opportunities to serve others, both within your faith community and in the broader world. This can help you develop humility, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the value of each person.
By engaging in these practices, you can strengthen your relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His love and grace. As you become more Christ-like, you will naturally display the Fruit of the Spirit and leave haughtiness behind.
To find transformation of your life through Jesus Christ, please watch the video on this page for more help. And connect with us if you need more help with your life. God loves you and we care.
