Pride is defined as inordinate self-esteem or conceit; disdainful behavior or treatment of others. So, pride has at least two facets--being absorbed with self and making sure others know it, and putting others down as to their worth or abilities. We all know someone we could label as proud. How about others labeling you or me that way? The truth is, nobody appreciates proud people; they’re annoying! The proud mostly talk about themselves and their achievements, giving credit to no one else; it’s all about them.
The truth is we have nothing to be proud of, there is no accomplishment or success without God!
What have you accomplished on your own? First and foremost, God put you here and provides for you. You might think you got a good education, a good job, money, a nice family, and on and on. Who do you think enabled you to understand your courses and remember the materials on the examinations? Yes, you put in the effort and the time to study, but without God enabling you, you’d be a failure. Who was behind you getting a job, good health to accomplish all the things for which you take credit? God!
For this reason, pride should be classified as theft--stealing God’s glory!
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was a great king in his day; he was feared by all people. He killed or pardoned, honored or disgraced whomever he wanted (see Daniel 5:19). One day, standing on the flat roof of his palace, he deceived himself, saying, “Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor” (Daniel 4:30). By his OWN power? Think again!
Those deceptive words were still on his lips when judgment was pronounced on him: “You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society … until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses” (Daniel 4:31-32). That judgment was fulfilled that same hour; Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society.
I wonder what would have happened, if, instead of boasting, he had said something like, “Thank You, God, for this beautiful Babylon You have put me in charge of. Help me rule with love, kindness, and respect for the people.”
Nebuchadnezzar’s punishment lasted until he learned that God plays a significant role in man’s accomplishments and successes. God makes all things possible; let’s never forget! At the end of that ordeal, Nebuchadnezzar had learned his lesson and was able to testify: “Now I Nebuchadnezzar, praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven. All his acts are just and true, and he is able to humble the proud” (Daniel 4:37).
Nebuchadnezzar’s successor, Belshazzar seemingly learned nothing from his predecessor’s experience (see Daniel 5:22). He arrogantly allowed himself, his guests, wives, and concubines to drink wine from the golden cups the Babylonians had seized from the Temple in Jerusalem. God judged him severely through a message written on the plaster wall of the palace by human fingers, as Belshazzar and his guests watched. Filled with fear, the king sought an interpreter; Daniel was brought in, and he rebuked the king for proudly defying God. The meaning of the message was straightforward—his days were numbered, he had been weighed and did not measure up, and his kingdom would be divided between the Medes and Persians. He was killed that night and the kingdom went to Darius. (see Daniel 5:23-30).
Regarding pride, God says: “I will not endure conceit and pride” (Psalm 101:5); “All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). Let’s be careful. Pride in our achievements and possessions are of the world, and not of the Father (see 1 John 2:16).
Pride comes with great pain and losses, even in today’s world. People don’t always understand the reasons for what happens to them.
We should not gain wisdom from our own experiences alone; we can and should learn from the experiences of others. Let’s learn from these kings; nothing can happen in our lives outside of God’s will. Let’s acknowledge Him for our existence and in all our achievements!
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