This is a very good question, especially since we live in a world that constantly tells us to be proud of so many things.  Let’s look at the verse you referred to in your question.  Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”  The Hebrew word for pride here is ‘gâʼôwn’ and is defined as ‘arrogancy, excellency, majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling.’  Of course, this pride is contrasted with humility as we read in the next verse, “Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Verse 19).  Let’s look at a couple more verses dealing with pride and haughtiness and its consequences.

• Proverbs 11:2, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
• Proverbs 18:12, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”

Now let’s look in the New Testament for a couple verses that teach us about pride.

• James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  The Greek word for proud is ‘hyperḗphanos’ and is defined as ‘appearing above others, haughty.’
• 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”  The Greek word for pride is ‘alazoneía’ and is defined as ‘braggadocio, self-confidence.’

I bring these verses out to show that you are certainly correct in saying the Word of God condemns pride.  Pride is more than mere self-confidence.  It is a heart attitude that exalts itself above God and others.  It exhibits itself as arrogance, conceit, or self-righteousness.  It shows misplaced confidence, where a person trusts and exalts in their own abilities, achievements, or status rather than in God’s provision and grace.  Pride is the opposite of humility, which Scripture consistently commends as the proper attitude before God.  With that said, is there a form or type of pride that is acceptable before God?

Let’s consider what we read in 2 Corinthians 7:4 where the Apostle Paul wrote, “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.”  Paul gloried or boasted in the faithfulness of fellow believers.  This was a case where Paul commended the Corinthian believers.  In acknowledging their accomplishments, he was acknowledging God’s work among them.  Instead of causing them to have pride, his words would encourage them to praise the Lord for His sustaining power among them. 

Recently, I watched my grandson graduate from Army Boot Camp in Ft. Jackson.  Seeing him in his uniform for the first time, witnessing the results of his intensive training, seeing him march in time with his fellow soldiers…I must admit my heart swelled with pride.  As I watched him during the graduation service, my heart was turned to one of thanksgiving.  I began to thank the Lord for keeping him in his training, for guiding him to do his best, for giving him the strength and stamina to do well.  As the Lord led my heart, I was able to use that time to honor the Lord for what He had done in my grandson.  I was reminded of what we read in Psalm 107:1, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”  In every circumstance, in every victory, in every accomplishment, may we give thanks to the Lord because “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17).  (CC)  (735.2)