The Book of Proverbs states this about pride. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
James, the brother of Jesus, adds his insight to the wisdom of Proverbs. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
C.S. Lewis states: “Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.”
A famous Bible commentator, John Stott, said about pride: “Pride is your greatest enemy, humility is your greatest friend.”
St. Augustine knew the impact of pride and humility and observed: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
The Pride of Tyre
The officials of Tyre would have done well to heed the wisdom of Proverbs and the insights of other great thinkers regarding pride. Instead, their pride soared to extreme heights of arrogance.
The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord God:
Because your heart is proud
and you have said, “I am a god;
I sit in the seat of the gods,
in the heart of the seas,”
yet you are but a mortal and no god,
though you compare your mind
with the mind of a god.
You are indeed wiser than Daniel;
no secret is hidden from you;
by your wisdom and your understanding
you have amassed wealth for yourself
and have gathered gold and silver
into your treasuries.
By your great wisdom in trade
you have increased your wealth,
and your heart has become proud in your wealth. (Ezekiel 28.1-5)
Like many kings of the nations surrounding Israel, the king of Tyre believed he was a god and was even worshiped as one. However, God sought to humble him, declaring, “No, you are not a god; you are merely a mortal.”
God also reminded him that he was not wiser than Daniel, a contemporary of Ezekiel. The king’s wealth, understanding, and accumulation of gold and silver had blinded him to the true condition of his heart and mind.
Wealth, intellect, athletic ability, beauty, and popularity can tempt us to think more highly of ourselves than we should. This was precisely the issue with the king of Tyre.
It is wise for us to examine ourselves in light of God’s words about Tyre, as well as the truths revealed through Proverbs, James, and Christian leaders.
The Fall of the Mighty
2 Samuel 1:19 states the reality for many prideful humans: “How the mighty have fallen!”
The king of Tyre was one of the most powerful men on Earth. However, God had a message for him that should have humbled him and led him to repentance. Instead, he became one of the mighty who fell.
Therefore thus says the Lord God:
Because you compare your mind
with the mind of a god,
therefore, I will bring strangers against you,
the most terrible of the nations;
they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom
and defile your splendor.
They shall thrust you down to the Pit,
and you shall die a violent death
in the heart of the seas.
Will you still say, “I am a god,”
in the presence of those who kill you,
though you are but a mortal and no god,
in the hands of those who pierce you? (Ezekiel 28:6-9)
Hitler promoted the idea of a “Thousand-Year Reich” for Germany as part of their propaganda.
He brought an era of death and destruction to Europe, America, and especially to the German people. His so-called “Thousand-Year Reich” lasted only twelve years instead of a millennium.
Like many others who believed they possessed godlike wisdom and power, he ultimately discovered that it is God who is truly in control.
When considering whom to follow, no matter how charismatic a leader may be, it is wise to remember Jesus’ words: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
When we make God’s kingdom and righteousness the top priority of our lives, He will make sure that our needs will be met in accordance with His will.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It’s on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 