A Proud Spirit
Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV)
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Reflection
Have you ever read a story in the Bible that’s so bizarre it leaves you perplexed and in awe of God’s great power? Look no further; the story of King Nebuchadnezzar checks all the boxes.
King Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful kings of ancient Babylonia, and while he was in power, he established lavish buildings, built large statues, and is credited with constructing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In short, during King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Babylon thrived.
One evening as King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his royal palace, he began to take stock of all he could see. “[A]nd the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?’” (Daniel 4:30 ESV).
At the very moment King Nebuchadnezzar was indulging in this self-pride, a voice fell from heaven. Immediately, “He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws” (Daniel 4:33 ESV). In a moment, God stripped King Nebuchadnezzar of everything he had, including his mind, health, comfort, title, and pride by driving him to act and live like a wild animal. This was King Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimate humiliation.
Like King Nebuchadnezzar, it can be tempting to sit back, see our accomplishments, and even take credit for those accomplishments. This way of thinking, however, provides a welcoming entrance for pride, and pride always leads to destruction, as we see in verse 18 of today’s reading. A proud spirit places our own ability and self-perception above God’s might and greatness. It positions us as our own god.
When King Nebuchadnezzar finally lifted his eyes to heaven, God, full of love and mercy, restored him. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 ESV).
Friends, if you find yourself wrestling with a proud spirit, lift your eyes to God. As today’s verse points out, “It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud” (verse 19).
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my loving Father. Help me to see when pride is seeping into my heart. Help me to refocus my eyes, thoughts, and heart on You, Lord. May I never take You for granted. In Your mighty name, amen.
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Reflection
Have you ever read a story in the Bible that’s so bizarre it leaves you perplexed and in awe of God’s great power? Look no further; the story of King Nebuchadnezzar checks all the boxes.
King Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful kings of ancient Babylonia, and while he was in power, he established lavish buildings, built large statues, and is credited with constructing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In short, during King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Babylon thrived.
One evening as King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of his royal palace, he began to take stock of all he could see. “[A]nd the king answered and said, ‘Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?’” (Daniel 4:30 ESV).
At the very moment King Nebuchadnezzar was indulging in this self-pride, a voice fell from heaven. Immediately, “He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws” (Daniel 4:33 ESV). In a moment, God stripped King Nebuchadnezzar of everything he had, including his mind, health, comfort, title, and pride by driving him to act and live like a wild animal. This was King Nebuchadnezzar’s ultimate humiliation.
Like King Nebuchadnezzar, it can be tempting to sit back, see our accomplishments, and even take credit for those accomplishments. This way of thinking, however, provides a welcoming entrance for pride, and pride always leads to destruction, as we see in verse 18 of today’s reading. A proud spirit places our own ability and self-perception above God’s might and greatness. It positions us as our own god.
When King Nebuchadnezzar finally lifted his eyes to heaven, God, full of love and mercy, restored him. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 ESV).
Friends, if you find yourself wrestling with a proud spirit, lift your eyes to God. As today’s verse points out, “It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud” (verse 19).
Action Steps
- Read the full story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel.
- Ask God to reveal any ounce of pride in your heart. Seek God, ask for forgiveness, and give full credit to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are my loving Father. Help me to see when pride is seeping into my heart. Help me to refocus my eyes, thoughts, and heart on You, Lord. May I never take You for granted. In Your mighty name, amen.
Posted in Tree Church Daily Devo
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