Read: Daniel 4:28-37
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov. 16:18)
According to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, the walls of Babylon were so massive that a four-horse chariot could drive around the city on top of them. So when King Nebuchadnezzar looked out on his city at the height of its power and glory it’s not surprising that his ego swelled to gigantic proportions: “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power . . . and for the glory of my majesty?” (Dan. 4:30). Watch out, king. You were warned. God has a way of putting puny mortals in their place when they start thinking like that. What Nebuchadnezzar needed to learn was that only God is great and humans, however wealthy or powerful, are nothing compared to him.
It’s a lesson God will teach the whole world one day. “The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low” (Isa. 2:11-12).
There’s a simple way to avoid the pain of a fall and destruction. Get down now! Be humble! As John Bunyan’s shepherd boy sang in the Valley of Humiliation, “He that is down, needs fear no fall, / He that is low, no pride: / He that is humble, ever shall / Have God to be his guide” (The Pilgrim’s Progress, pt. 2). —David Bast
As you pray, praise God’s greatness.
About the Author
Rev. Dave Bast retired as the President and Broadcast Minister of Words of Hope in January 2017, after 23 years with the ministry. Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. He is the author of several devotional books. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he has also studied at both the Fuller and Calvin seminaries. Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and four grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
