Pride Goes Before Destruction
By Bill Markham
“Pride goes before destruction.” (Proverbs 16:18) Those are sobering words — but they’re also deeply personal. Pride doesn’t always roar; sometimes it whispers, “You’re doing just fine without God.” It convinces us that we’re the main character in our own story, that life works best when we’re in control.
King Nebuchadnezzar learned this the hard way. Standing on his rooftop, he looked over his kingdom and declared, “Look at what I have built!” (Daniel 4:30). In that moment, he believed the illusion — that his success was his own doing. But God, in His mercy, allowed it all to crumble so the king could see the truth: “The Most High rules over all.” When Nebuchadnezzar finally lifted his eyes toward heaven, his sanity — and his peace — were restored.
Pride is dangerous because it disconnects us from our Source. It builds walls instead of bridges, towers instead of altars. But humility brings us home. It reminds us that everything we have — our breath, our gifts, our influence — is from God and for God. So, as we begin a New Year, let’s begin by acknowledging God’s hand in every moment and inviting His will— not ours— to lead the way
Freedom begins the moment we release control and return glory to God. As Jesus modelled, true greatness is found not in ascending higher but in kneeling lower. When we humble ourselves — acknowledging God’s authority, obeying His will, and serving others — He lifts us up in due time.
Pride always leads to a fall, but humility always leads us back to freedom.
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