A Foolish Pride
Today’s scripture selection: Second Kings 16-20
Key verses: Second Kings 16-20
King Hezekiah was going to die. At least that was the word from Isaiah the prophet. Fearful; broken; he appealed to God for mercy. And he received it – another fifteen years of life.
His appeal was based on the fact that he had been a good king – and that was true. In fact, over a hundred-year period only Hezekiah had been a “good” king according to God’s standards.
And so, reassured – and ready to live at least a few more years – Hezekiah got back to the business of running his kingdom. Then he did something very foolish.
Emissaries came from a powerful, foreign nation: Assyria. And what did the king do? He showed them everything he had at his disposal; everything he owned. When Isaiah asked him about this, Hezekiah made this quite clear.
“They saw everything in my palace. There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”
Not very smart – and definitely an act of prideful foolishness.
In the future, his country would pay dearly for that mistake.
We might be tempted to shake our heads in disbelief at such a foolish old king. But there is a lesson here worth noting.
Pride can lead us to do very foolish, even deadly, things.
Pride can cause us to strike up friendships with the wrong people; lead us to throw away what is dear to us; leave us or our loved ones exposed to attack.
In contrast, scripture counsels this:
Stay humble. Remember how you got to where you are. And don’t be quick to believe that it is because you are so smart, or talented, or whatever….
Healthy self-esteem, kept in perspective – that’s a good thing.
Foolish pride, out of control – that’s something to avoid – at all costs.
Prayer: Lord, keep me humble, and thankful for my blessings – especially those I had nothing to do with earning. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 