Category Archives: Pride

Children, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Pride

Childlike Faith: Receiving the Kingdom with Humility and Trust (Luke 18:15-17)

What does it mean to have childlike faith?

In Luke 18:15-17, Jesus shows us the value of a simple, trusting heart that approaches God with humility, just like a child.

Key Verse: “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Luke 18:17 (ESV)

Background Context: In Luke 18:15-17, parents are bringing their children to Jesus so that He might bless them. However, the disciples try to stop them, likely thinking that Jesus had more important matters to attend to. But Jesus responds by welcoming the children and teaching a profound lesson: unless we receive the kingdom of God like a child, we cannot enter it. This passage invites us to examine the nature of our faith and our relationship with God. Jesus highlights the importance of humility, trust, and openness—qualities often seen in children—as essential to entering His kingdom.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 18:15-17

    15And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. 16But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17“Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

Reflection on Luke 18:15-17:

  • Jesus Welcomes the Children: The disciples’ initial reaction to the children being brought to Jesus was to rebuke the parents (Luke 18:15). They may have thought that Jesus was too busy or too important to be interrupted by children. But Jesus’ response is completely different—He not only welcomes the children but also uses them as an example of how we should approach God. Jesus values every person, regardless of their age or status, and He emphasizes the importance of caring for and blessing even the “least” in society. This challenges us to reconsider how we view others and reminds us that everyone is valuable in God’s eyes.
  • Childlike Humility and Trust: Jesus says that to enter the kingdom of God, we must receive it “like a child” (Luke 18:17). Children are naturally dependent on others for their needs. They trust, they are open, and they are humble. In the same way, God calls us to approach Him with humility and trust, recognizing that we are dependent on His grace and provision. We cannot earn our way into the kingdom of God through our achievements or status. Instead, we are called to come to God with open hearts, ready to receive His love and grace, just as a child would. This is a reminder that faith is not about self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God’s care and trusting in His goodness.
  • A Heart Ready to Receive: Children are receptive—they are willing to receive gifts and trust in the goodness of those who care for them. When Jesus speaks of receiving the kingdom of God like a child, He is emphasizing the importance of having a heart that is open and willing to receive what God offers. Sometimes, as adults, we can become guarded, skeptical, or overly self-reliant, thinking that we must work for or prove ourselves worthy of God’s love. But Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God is a gift to be received, not earned. We are invited to come to God with a heart that is ready to receive His grace, love, and direction.
  • Entering the Kingdom of God: Jesus’ statement in verse 17 is striking: “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” This is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement for entering God’s kingdom. To receive the kingdom of God like a child means to let go of our pride, self-reliance, and illusions of control. It means acknowledging that we are dependent on God for everything—our salvation, our daily needs, and our purpose in life. Jesus calls us to a relationship with Him that is built on trust and dependence, not on our own efforts or merit.
  • The Simplicity of Faith: Children often have a simple, straightforward faith. They are not burdened by complicated questions or doubts; they simply trust. While it is natural for our faith to grow deeper as we mature, Jesus reminds us that at the heart of our relationship with God should be a simple, trusting faith. A faith that says, “I trust You, God, even when I don’t understand.” This kind of faith allows us to experience the fullness of life in the kingdom of God, where we rely on His love, provision, and guidance each day.

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus Welcomes Everyone: Jesus values and welcomes even the smallest and most vulnerable, reminding us that everyone is precious in God’s eyes.
  • Childlike Humility and Trust: We are called to approach God with the humility and trust of a child, recognizing our dependence on Him and His grace.
  • A Heart Ready to Receive: Like children, we are to have hearts that are open and ready to receive God’s gifts—especially His kingdom, which is a gift of grace.
  • Entering the Kingdom Requires Humility: Jesus teaches that we must receive the kingdom of God like a child—letting go of pride and self-sufficiency and coming to Him in faith and dependence.
  • The Simplicity of Faith: A childlike faith is marked by trust and simplicity, allowing us to rest in God’s care and experience His kingdom in our daily lives.

Application: Take time to reflect on your own relationship with God—are you approaching Him with the humility, trust, and openness of a child? Are there areas where you’ve been relying on your own strength or accomplishments instead of trusting in God’s grace? Consider how you can cultivate a childlike faith, one that is simple and trusting, knowing that God is a good Father who cares for you. Let go of the desire to control or earn your way into God’s favor, and instead come to Him with an open heart, ready to receive His love and guidance.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You with humble hearts, recognizing our need for Your grace and mercy. Teach us to approach You with the trust and openness of a child, knowing that we depend on You for everything. Help us to let go of pride and self-sufficiency, and instead receive Your kingdom as a gift. Give us a simple, trusting faith that rests in Your love and care. Thank You for welcoming us into Your family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Pride

The Writing on the Wall: The Call to Humility Before God (Daniel 5)

Have you ever ignored the subtle warnings in your life, only to later face the consequences of neglecting them?

In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar witnesses a supernatural warning that reveals a powerful lesson: pride, arrogance, and disregard for God lead to downfall.

Key Verse: “But you, Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven.” – Daniel 5:22-23 (NIV)

Background Context: Daniel 5 tells the dramatic story of King Belshazzar’s feast, during which he defied God by using sacred temple vessels for a pagan celebration. In the midst of this revelry, a mysterious hand appears, writing a message on the wall. No one could interpret the writing except for Daniel, who reveals its meaning: Belshazzar’s pride and failure to honor God have led to the kingdom’s imminent judgment. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of arrogance, the consequences of defying God, and the importance of living with reverence for Him.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 5

Belshazzar’s Feast

      1Belshazzar the king held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. 2When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.

      5Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing. 6Then the king’s face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints went slack and his knees began knocking together. 7The king called aloud to bring in the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Any man who can read this inscription and explain its interpretation to me shall be clothed with purple and have a necklace of gold around his neck, and have authority as third ruler in the kingdom.” 8Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpretation to the king. 9Then King Belshazzar was greatly alarmed, his face grew even paler, and his nobles were perplexed.

      10The queen entered the banquet hall because of the words of the king and his nobles; the queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts alarm you or your face be pale. 11“There is a man in your kingdom in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, illumination, insight and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods were found in him. And King Nebuchadnezzar, your father, your father the king, appointed him chief of the magicians, conjurers, Chaldeans and diviners. 12“This was because an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Let Daniel now be summoned and he will declare the interpretation.”

Daniel Interprets Handwriting on the Wall

      13Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel who is one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14“Now I have heard about you that a spirit of the gods is in you, and that illumination, insight and extraordinary wisdom have been found in you. 15“Just now the wise men and the conjurers were brought in before me that they might read this inscription and make its interpretation known to me, but they could not declare the interpretation of the message. 16“But I personally have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Now if you are able to read the inscription and make its interpretation known to me, you will be clothed with purple and wear a necklace of gold around your neck, and you will have authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.”

      17Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him. 18“O king, the Most High God granted sovereignty, grandeur, glory and majesty to Nebuchadnezzar your father. 19“Because of the grandeur which He bestowed on him, all the peoples, nations and men of every language feared and trembled before him; whomever he wished he killed and whomever he wished he spared alive; and whomever he wished he elevated and whomever he wished he humbled. 20“But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him. 21“He was also driven away from mankind, and his heart was made like that of beasts, and his dwelling place was with the wild donkeys. He was given grass to eat like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes. 22“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, 23but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand. But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not glorified. 24“Then the hand was sent from Him and this inscription was written out.

      25“Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’ 26“This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENE’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. 27“ ‘TEKEL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28“ ‘PERES’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”

      29Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.

      30That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain. 31So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.

Reflection on Daniel 5:

  • Belshazzar’s Arrogance: The chapter opens with King Belshazzar hosting a grand feast, during which he arrogantly uses the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem to drink wine and praise false gods (Daniel 5:1-4). This act of blatant disrespect demonstrates Belshazzar’s disregard for God’s holiness and sovereignty. Like his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar exhibits pride that blinds him to the reality of God’s power.
  • The Writing on the Wall: In the middle of the feast, a hand appears and writes a cryptic message on the wall: “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin” (Daniel 5:5, 25). The king is terrified and calls for all his wise men to interpret the writing, but they are unable to do so (Daniel 5:6-8). This supernatural event reveals God’s judgment, reminding us that God sees all and will not be mocked. The appearance of the hand and the message on the wall signify that God’s patience has run out and the time of reckoning has come.
  • Daniel’s Bold Interpretation: When Daniel is called to interpret the writing, he does not mince words. He recounts how God humbled Nebuchadnezzar for his pride and lack of reverence, but despite knowing this history, Belshazzar failed to humble himself before God (Daniel 5:18-23). The message on the wall—”Mene” meaning that God has numbered Belshazzar’s days, “Tekel” meaning that he has been weighed and found wanting, and “Parsin” meaning that his kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians—pronounces the judgment that Belshazzar’s reign will soon end (Daniel 5:26-28). Daniel’s boldness in speaking truth to power reminds us that God’s servants must stand for righteousness, even in difficult circumstances.
  • Immediate Consequences: That very night, Belshazzar is killed, and his kingdom is taken over by Darius the Mede (Daniel 5:30-31). The swift and decisive nature of God’s judgment illustrates that there are real and immediate consequences for pride, arrogance, and rebellion against God. Belshazzar’s fate serves as a warning to all of us to take God’s holiness and commands seriously.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Danger of Pride: Belshazzar’s downfall was rooted in his arrogance and failure to honor God. Pride blinds us to our need for God and leads to destructive consequences.
  • God’s Sovereignty and Judgment: The appearance of the hand writing on the wall demonstrates God’s sovereign power to judge those who defy Him. He sees all and will hold us accountable for our actions.
  • Heeding God’s Warnings: Belshazzar knew the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling but ignored the lesson. We must heed God’s warnings and learn from the past to avoid making the same mistakes.
  • Standing for Truth: Daniel’s faithfulness in delivering God’s message, even when it was difficult, encourages us to boldly stand for truth, regardless of the circumstances.

Application: Reflect on areas in your life where pride or arrogance may have crept in. Are you ignoring any warnings from God, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or circumstances? Take this time to humble yourself before God, confessing any areas of disobedience or self-reliance. Remember that God is sovereign, and He calls us to live in reverence and submission to His authority. Like Daniel, commit to standing for truth and righteousness, even when it is difficult.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You humbly, acknowledging that You are sovereign over all things. Help us to recognize the dangers of pride and to live with reverence for Your holiness. Give us the courage to heed Your warnings and to respond with humility and repentance. Strengthen us to stand boldly for truth, just as Daniel did, even when it’s hard. We trust in Your wisdom and justice, knowing that You see all and will hold us accountable. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Pride

The Humbling Power of God: Recognizing His Sovereignty (Daniel 4)

Have you ever experienced a moment when you were forced to confront your own pride and realize that God is truly in control? In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar learns this lesson in a dramatic way, as God humbles him to show that He alone is sovereign over all kingdoms.

Key Verse: “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.” – Daniel 4:34 (NIV)

Background Context: Daniel 4 recounts King Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and its fulfillment, which leads to his dramatic humbling and eventual restoration. After boasting in his own achievements, Nebuchadnezzar is warned through a dream that he will be driven from his throne and live like an animal until he acknowledges God’s sovereignty. This chapter emphasizes the humbling power of God and the importance of recognizing His ultimate authority over all things.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 4

The King Acknowledges God

      1Nebuchadnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language that live in all the earth: “May your peace abound! 2“It has seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders which the Most High God has done for me.

      3“How great are His signs
And how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
And His dominion is from generation to generation.

The Vision of a Great Tree

      4“I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. 5“I saw a dream and it made me fearful; and these fantasies as I lay on my bed and the visions in my mind kept alarming me. 6“So I gave orders to bring into my presence all the wise men of Babylon, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. 7“Then the magicians, the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners came in and I related the dream to them, but they could not make its interpretation known to me. 8“But finally Daniel came in before me, whose name is Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is a spirit of the holy gods; and I related the dream to him, saying, 9‘O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, since I know that a spirit of the holy gods is in you and no mystery baffles you, tell me the visions of my dream which I have seen, along with its interpretation.

      10‘Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great.

      11‘The tree grew large and became strong
And its height reached to the sky,
And it was visible to the end of the whole earth.

      12‘Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant,
And in it was food for all.
The beasts of the field found shade under it,
And the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches,
And all living creatures fed themselves from it.

      13‘I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven.

      14‘He shouted out and spoke as follows:
“Chop down the tree and cut off its branches,
Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit;
Let the beasts flee from under it
And the birds from its branches.

      15“Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground,
But with a band of iron and bronze around it
In the new grass of the field;
And let him be drenched with the dew of heaven,
And let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth.

      16“Let his mind be changed from that of a man
And let a beast’s mind be given to him,
And let seven periods of time pass over him.

      17“This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers
And the decision is a command of the holy ones,
In order that the living may know
That the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind,
And bestows it on whom He wishes
And sets over it the lowliest of men.”

18‘This is the dream which I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of my kingdom is able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you.’

Daniel Interprets the Vision

      19“Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was appalled for a while as his thoughts alarmed him. The king responded and said, ‘Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation alarm you.’ Belteshazzar replied, ‘My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries! 20‘The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth 21and whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt and in whose branches the birds of the sky lodged— 22it is you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your majesty has become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23‘In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, “Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him,” 24this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26‘And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. 27‘Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.’

The Vision Fulfilled

      28“All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king. 29“Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. 30“The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’ 31“While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, 32and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’ 33“Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eating grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.

      34“But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
And His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

      35“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
But He does according to His will in the host of heaven
And among the inhabitants of earth;
And no one can ward off His hand
Or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’

36“At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. 37“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”

Reflection on Daniel 4:

  • Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream: The chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar’s account of his dream about a great tree that reached the heavens, providing shelter and food for all creatures. However, the tree is cut down at God’s command, leaving only the stump (Daniel 4:10-15). This dream symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar’s greatness and the coming judgment that will humble him.
  • The Warning Ignored: Despite Daniel’s interpretation and warning to repent, Nebuchadnezzar continues to walk in pride, boasting of his own power and accomplishments as king of Babylon (Daniel 4:29-30). His failure to heed the warning leads to God’s judgment.
  • The Humbling of Nebuchadnezzar: In an instant, Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity is taken from him, and he is driven from his throne to live among the animals, eating grass and behaving like a wild beast (Daniel 4:31-33). This humbling experience teaches him, and us, that pride and self-sufficiency can quickly lead to a fall. God is not only the source of all power and authority, but He can also take it away in a moment.
  • Restoration Through Humility: After living in this degraded state for seven years, Nebuchadnezzar’s sanity is restored when he finally lifts his eyes toward heaven and acknowledges the sovereignty of God (Daniel 4:34). His response is one of deep humility, praise, and worship of the Most High. He recognizes that all authority belongs to God alone, and that God’s kingdom is eternal, while human power is temporary and fleeting.
  • God’s Sovereignty Over All: The key lesson of this chapter is that God is sovereign over all kingdoms and rulers, and He humbles those who walk in pride (Daniel 4:35-37). Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness comes from recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His authority.

Summary Key Points:

  • Pride Leads to a Fall: Nebuchadnezzar’s pride and self-glorification ultimately lead to his humbling, demonstrating the dangers of trusting in our own strength and accomplishments.
  • God’s Sovereignty: God is sovereign over all nations, rulers, and people, and He has the power to humble and exalt according to His will.
  • Humility and Restoration: When Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself and acknowledges God’s authority, his sanity and position are restored, showing that humility before God leads to restoration and blessing.
  • Acknowledging God’s Authority: We are called to recognize God’s supreme authority over our lives, acknowledging that all power and success come from Him, and not from our own efforts.

Application: Reflect on areas in your life where pride may be creeping in. Are you relying on your own strength and accomplishments, or are you recognizing God’s sovereignty over your life? Take time to humble yourself before God, acknowledging that He is the source of all power and authority. Trust in His ability to exalt and restore those who submit to His will, and seek to live in a posture of humility, giving Him all the glory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereignty over all things. Help us to recognize our dependence on You and to walk in humility, giving You all the glory for the blessings and achievements in our lives. Teach us to learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s experience, avoiding pride and self-sufficiency, and instead acknowledging that You alone are the source of all power and authority. May we always lift our eyes toward heaven and give You the honor You deserve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Arrogance, Contentment, Fellowship, Humility, Intgegrity / Honesty, Pride, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Wisdom of Living Intentionally and with Integrity (Proverbs 27)

Do you live each day with intentionality, making the most of every opportunity?

Proverbs 27 offers practical wisdom for living a life marked by integrity, foresight, and healthy relationships.

Key Verse: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” – Proverbs 27:1 (NKJV)

Background Context: Proverbs 27 is a collection of wise sayings that provide guidance on various aspects of daily life, including relationships, planning for the future, and the importance of humility. These proverbs encourage us to live with intentionality, making the most of the present while preparing wisely for the future.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 27

Warnings and Instructions

1Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
A stranger, and not your own lips.

3A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,
But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.

4Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?

5Better is open rebuke
Than love that is concealed.

6Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

7A sated man loathes honey,
But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet.

8Like a bird that wanders from her nest,
So is a man who wanders from his home.

9Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

10Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away.

11Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
That I may reply to him who reproaches me.

12A prudent man sees evil and hides himself,
The naive proceed and pay the penalty.

13Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger;
And for an adulterous woman hold him in pledge.

14He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning,
It will be reckoned a curse to him.

15A constant dripping on a day of steady rain
And a contentious woman are alike;

16He who would restrain her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand.

17Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.

18He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit,
And he who cares for his master will be honored.

19As in water face reflects face,
So the heart of man reflects man.

20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.

21The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
And each is tested by the praise accorded him.

22Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;

24For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

25When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

26The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,

27And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your maidens.

Reflection on Proverbs 27:

  • Living in the Present: The chapter begins with a caution against boasting about tomorrow, reminding us of the uncertainty of life (Proverbs 27:1). This verse calls us to live fully in the present, making the most of today’s opportunities and trusting God with our future.
  • The Value of Friendship: Proverbs 27 also highlights the importance of strong, honest relationships. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). True friends challenge and encourage one another, contributing to each other’s growth and character.
  • The Danger of Pride: Another key theme in this chapter is the danger of pride and the importance of humility. “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). This verse teaches us to let our actions speak for themselves rather than seeking self-promotion.
  • Foresight and Responsibility: Proverbs 27:12 emphasizes the value of foresight and prudence: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This wisdom encourages us to be aware of potential pitfalls and to take responsible actions to avoid unnecessary trouble.
  • Contentment and Integrity: The chapter also speaks to the importance of contentment and integrity, reminding us that “a satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet” (Proverbs 27:7). This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and to live with integrity, regardless of our circumstances.

Summary Key Points:

  • Intentional Living: We are called to live intentionally today, without presumption about what tomorrow may bring.
  • Value of True Friendship: Strong, honest friendships are essential for personal growth and accountability.
  • Humility Over Pride: True humility avoids self-promotion and allows our actions to speak for themselves.
  • Foresight and Prudence: We must exercise wisdom and foresight to avoid pitfalls and to live responsibly.
  • Contentment and Integrity: Contentment and integrity are key to living a fulfilling and righteous life.

Application: Take time today to reflect on how you are living your life. Are you making the most of each day, living with intentionality and integrity? Cultivate strong friendships that challenge and support you in your walk with God. Practice humility, allowing your actions to speak louder than your words. Be prudent and plan wisely for the future, while remaining content with what you have. Trust God with tomorrow, and focus on living faithfully today.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom found in Your Word. Help us to live each day with intentionality and integrity, making the most of the opportunities You give us. Teach us to value true friendships that sharpen and encourage us, and to practice humility in all we do. Grant us the foresight and prudence to avoid pitfalls and to live responsibly. May we cultivate contentment in our hearts, trusting You with our future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Pride

The Lament for Pharaoh: Reflecting on God’s Sovereignty and Justice (Ezekiel 32)

Have you ever pondered the fate of the powerful and prideful in light of God’s justice?

Ezekiel 32 offers a sobering reflection on the downfall of Egypt’s Pharaoh, reminding us of God’s ultimate sovereignty and justice.

Key Verse: “For thus says the Lord God: ‘The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon you.'” – Ezekiel 32:11 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 32 contains a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt, depicting the impending judgment and destruction that will befall them. This chapter is a continuation of God’s pronouncements against Egypt, illustrating the fate of nations that exalt themselves against God. Through vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, Ezekiel communicates the certainty of God’s judgment and the fall of the mighty.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 32

Lament over Pharaoh and Egypt

      1In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,

2“Son of man, take up a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him,
‘You compared yourself to a young lion of the nations,
Yet you are like the monster in the seas;
And you burst forth in your rivers
And muddied the waters with your feet
And fouled their rivers.’”

      3Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Now I will spread My net over you
With a company of many peoples,
And they shall lift you up in My net.

      4“I will leave you on the land;
I will cast you on the open field.
And I will cause all the birds of the heavens to dwell on you,
And I will satisfy the beasts of the whole earth with you.

      5“I will lay your flesh on the mountains
And fill the valleys with your refuse.

      6“I will also make the land drink the discharge of your blood
As far as the mountains,
And the ravines will be full of you.

      7“And when I extinguish you,
I will cover the heavens and darken their stars;
I will cover the sun with a cloud
And the moon will not give its light.

      8“All the shining lights in the heavens
I will darken over you
And will set darkness on your land,”
Declares the Lord GOD.

9“I will also trouble the hearts of many peoples when I bring your destruction among the nations, into lands which you have not known. 10“I will make many peoples appalled at you, and their kings will be horribly afraid of you when I brandish My sword before them; and they will tremble every moment, every man for his own life, on the day of your fall.”

      11For thus says the Lord GOD, “The sword of the king of Babylon will come upon you.

12“By the swords of the mighty ones I will cause your hordes to fall; all of them are tyrants of the nations,
And they will devastate the pride of Egypt,
And all its hordes will be destroyed.

      13“I will also destroy all its cattle from beside many waters;
And the foot of man will not muddy them anymore
And the hoofs of beasts will not muddy them.

      14“Then I will make their waters settle
And will cause their rivers to run like oil,”
Declares the Lord GOD.

      15“When I make the land of Egypt a desolation,
And the land is destitute of that which filled it,
When I smite all those who live in it,
Then they shall know that I am the LORD.

16“This is a lamentation and they shall chant it. The daughters of the nations shall chant it. Over Egypt and over all her hordes they shall chant it,” declares the Lord GOD.

      17In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 18“Son of man, wail for the hordes of Egypt and bring it down, her and the daughters of the powerful nations, to the nether world, with those who go down to the pit;

      19‘Whom do you surpass in beauty?
Go down and make your bed with the uncircumcised.’

20“They shall fall in the midst of those who are slain by the sword. She is given over to the sword; they have drawn her and all her hordes away. 21“The strong among the mighty ones shall speak of him and his helpers from the midst of Sheol, ‘They have gone down, they lie still, the uncircumcised, slain by the sword.’

      22“Assyria is there and all her company; her graves are round about her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword, 23whose graves are set in the remotest parts of the pit and her company is round about her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword, who spread terror in the land of the living.

      24“Elam is there and all her hordes around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who went down uncircumcised to the lower parts of the earth, who instilled their terror in the land of the living and bore their disgrace with those who went down to the pit. 25“They have made a bed for her among the slain with all her hordes. Her graves are around it, they are all uncircumcised, slain by the sword (although their terror was instilled in the land of the living), and they bore their disgrace with those who go down to the pit; they were put in the midst of the slain.

      26“Meshech, Tubal and all their hordes are there; their graves surround them. All of them were slain by the sword uncircumcised, though they instilled their terror in the land of the living. 27“Nor do they lie beside the fallen heroes of the uncircumcised, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war and whose swords were laid under their heads; but the punishment for their iniquity rested on their bones, though the terror of these heroes was once in the land of the living. 28“But in the midst of the uncircumcised you will be broken and lie with those slain by the sword.

      29“There also is Edom, its kings and all its princes, who for all their might are laid with those slain by the sword; they will lie with the uncircumcised and with those who go down to the pit.

      30“There also are the chiefs of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who in spite of the terror resulting from their might, in shame went down with the slain. So they lay down uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bore their disgrace with those who go down to the pit.

      31“These Pharaoh will see, and he will be comforted for all his hordes slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all his army,” declares the Lord GOD. 32“Though I instilled a terror of him in the land of the living, yet he will be made to lie down among the uncircumcised along with those slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all his hordes,” declares the Lord GOD.

Reflection on Ezekiel 32:

  • The Lamentation for Pharaoh: God instructs Ezekiel to raise a lament for Pharaoh, comparing him to a great lion and a sea monster thrashing in the waters (Ezekiel 32:2). This imagery depicts Pharaoh’s might and turmoil, but also his impending downfall.
  • Destruction and Desolation: The prophecy foretells the destruction that will come upon Pharaoh and Egypt by the sword of the king of Babylon (Ezekiel 32:11). This emphasizes that no power, however great, can withstand God’s judgment.
  • Darkness and Mourning: The imagery of covering the heavens and darkening the stars (Ezekiel 32:7-8) symbolizes the complete and utter desolation that will follow Egypt’s fall. It portrays a cosmic scale of mourning and judgment.
  • A Warning to Nations: The lamentation serves as a warning to other nations about the consequences of pride and defiance against God. Pharaoh’s fate is a testament to the fact that God’s justice will prevail (Ezekiel 32:9-10).
  • The Pit and the Fallen: Pharaoh and his multitude are described as being cast down to the pit, lying among the uncircumcised who have fallen by the sword (Ezekiel 32:18-21). This reinforces the finality of God’s judgment and the destiny of the proud.

Summary Key Points:

  • Inevitable Judgment: No matter how powerful, all nations and leaders are subject to God’s judgment.
  • God’s Sovereignty: The fate of Pharaoh and Egypt underscores God’s ultimate sovereignty over all rulers and nations.
  • Cosmic Mourning: The imagery of darkness and desolation illustrates the profound impact of divine judgment.
  • Warning to the Proud: The lament serves as a warning to other nations and individuals about the dangers of pride and defiance against God.
  • Finality of Judgment: The casting down to the pit symbolizes the final and irrevocable nature of God’s justice.

Application: Let us reflect on the sovereignty and justice of God, recognizing that no one is beyond His reach. May we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging His authority over our lives and nations. Let us heed the warning against pride and defiance, striving to live in obedience and reverence to God. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and avoid the fate of those who exalt themselves against Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and justice over all creation. Help us to recognize the consequences of pride and defiance and to humble ourselves before You. Teach us to live in obedience and reverence, aligning our lives with Your will. May we be mindful of Your ultimate authority and trust in Your righteous judgment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of the Mighty: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 31)

Do you ever marvel at the strength and success of those who seem invincible?

Ezekiel 31 reminds us that even the mightiest can fall, calling us to humility and reliance on God.

Key Verse: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have increased in height, and it set its top among the thick boughs, and its heart was lifted up in its height, therefore I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall surely deal with it; I have driven it out for its wickedness.'” – Ezekiel 31:10-11 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 31 contains a prophecy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, using the metaphor of Assyria as a towering cedar tree. This chapter illustrates how Assyria, once great and powerful, was brought low due to its pride. It serves as a warning to Egypt and to all who place their trust in their own strength and grandeur.

(Summarized and  continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 31

Pharaoh Warned of Assyria’s Fate

      1In the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,

2“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes,
‘Whom are you like in your greatness?

      3‘Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon
With beautiful branches and forest shade,
And very high,
And its top was among the clouds.

      4‘The waters made it grow, the deep made it high.
With its rivers it continually extended all around its planting place,
And sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.

      5‘Therefore its height was loftier than all the trees of the field
And its boughs became many and its branches long
Because of many waters as it spread them out.

      6‘All the birds of the heavens nested in its boughs,
And under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth,
And all great nations lived under its shade.

      7‘So it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches;
For its roots extended to many waters.

      8‘The cedars in God’s garden could not match it;
The cypresses could not compare with its boughs,
And the plane trees could not match its branches.
No tree in God’s garden could compare with it in its beauty.

      9‘I made it beautiful with the multitude of its branches,
And all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God, were jealous of it.

      10‘Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Because it is high in stature and has set its top among the clouds, and its heart is haughty in its loftiness, 11therefore I will give it into the hand of a despot of the nations; he will thoroughly deal with it. According to its wickedness I have driven it away. 12“Alien tyrants of the nations have cut it down and left it; on the mountains and in all the valleys its branches have fallen and its boughs have been broken in all the ravines of the land. And all the peoples of the earth have gone down from its shade and left it. 13“On its ruin all the birds of the heavens will dwell, and all the beasts of the field will be on its fallen branches 14so that all the trees by the waters may not be exalted in their stature, nor set their top among the clouds, nor their well-watered mighty ones stand erect in their height. For they have all been given over to death, to the earth beneath, among the sons of men, with those who go down to the pit.”

      15‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “On the day when it went down to Sheol I caused lamentations; I closed the deep over it and held back its rivers. And its many waters were stopped up, and I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field wilted away on account of it. 16“I made the nations quake at the sound of its fall when I made it go down to Sheol with those who go down to the pit; and all the well-watered trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, were comforted in the earth beneath. 17“They also went down with it to Sheol to those who were slain by the sword; and those who were its strength lived under its shade among the nations.

      18“To which among the trees of Eden are you thus equal in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who were slain by the sword. So is Pharaoh and all his hordes!”’ declares the Lord GOD.”

Reflection on Ezekiel 31:

  • The Mighty Cedar: The chapter begins with a description of Assyria as a magnificent cedar tree, towering above all others in the garden of God (Ezekiel 31:3-9). This imagery conveys the great power, beauty, and influence of Assyria at its height.
  • Pride and Downfall: The metaphor shifts to the heart of the message: Assyria’s pride led to its downfall. Because its heart was lifted up in pride, God delivered it into the hands of the mighty one of the nations (Ezekiel 31:10-11). This reflects the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Judgment and Humility: The fall of Assyria serves as a stark reminder that no matter how great and powerful, all are subject to God’s judgment (Ezekiel 31:12-14). The purpose of this judgment is to humble the proud and exalt the sovereignty of God.
  • A Warning to Egypt: The prophecy against Assyria is directed toward Pharaoh and Egypt, warning them that their pride and reliance on their own strength will lead to similar destruction (Ezekiel 31:15-18). This serves as a universal lesson on the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Danger of Pride: Assyria’s fall illustrates that pride leads to downfall, regardless of one’s power and success.
  • God’s Sovereignty: All nations and individuals are subject to God’s judgment, emphasizing His ultimate authority.
  • Humility Before God: The prophecy calls us to humility, recognizing that true strength and security come from God alone.
  • Universal Warning: The message to Egypt serves as a warning to all who trust in their own power and grandeur.

Application: Let us examine our hearts for any traces of pride and self-reliance. May we recognize that all power and success come from God and can be taken away in an instant. Let us cultivate humility, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives and placing our trust in Him alone. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and power over all creation. Help us to recognize the dangers of pride and to cultivate humility in our hearts. Teach us to rely on You alone for our strength and security. May we live in a way that honors You, acknowledging that all we have comes from Your hand. Keep us humble and faithful, trusting in Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of the Proud: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 28)

Have you ever felt the allure of pride, thinking you are invincible or above others?

Ezekiel 28 provides a sobering reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

Key Verse: “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.” – Ezekiel 28:17 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 28 contains a prophetic message against the prince and king of Tyre, who symbolize the ultimate fall of pride and arrogance. The passage also includes a lament over the fall of Tyre, drawing parallels between the pride of Tyre’s leaders and the fall of Lucifer. This chapter serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of pride and self-exaltation.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 28

Tyre’s King Overthrown

      1The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,

2“Son of man, say to the leader of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Because your heart is lifted up
And you have said, ‘I am a god,
I sit in the seat of gods
In the heart of the seas’;
Yet you are a man and not God,
Although you make your heart like the heart of God—

      3Behold, you are wiser than Daniel;
There is no secret that is a match for you.

      4“By your wisdom and understanding
You have acquired riches for yourself
And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries.

      5“By your great wisdom, by your trade
You have increased your riches
And your heart is lifted up because of your riches—

6Therefore thus says the Lord GOD,
‘Because you have made your heart
Like the heart of God,

      7Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you,
The most ruthless of the nations.
And they will draw their swords
Against the beauty of your wisdom
And defile your splendor.

      8‘They will bring you down to the pit,
And you will die the death of those who are slain
In the heart of the seas.

      9‘Will you still say, “I am a god,”
In the presence of your slayer,
Though you are a man and not God,
In the hands of those who wound you?

      10‘You will die the death of the uncircumcised
By the hand of strangers,
For I have spoken!’ declares the Lord GOD!”’”

      11Again the word of the LORD came to me saying,

12“Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“You had the seal of perfection,
Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

      13“You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The ruby, the topaz and the diamond;
The beryl, the onyx and the jasper;
The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald;
And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets,
Was in you.
On the day that you were created
They were prepared.

      14“You were the anointed cherub who covers,
And I placed you there.
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.

      15“You were blameless in your ways
From the day you were created
Until unrighteousness was found in you.

      16“By the abundance of your trade
You were internally filled with violence,
And you sinned;
Therefore I have cast you as profane
From the mountain of God.
And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub,
From the midst of the stones of fire.

      17“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor.
I cast you to the ground;
I put you before kings,
That they may see you.

      18“By the multitude of your iniquities,
In the unrighteousness of your trade
You profaned your sanctuaries.
Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you;
It has consumed you,
And I have turned you to ashes on the earth
In the eyes of all who see you.

      19“All who know you among the peoples
Are appalled at you;
You have become terrified
And you will cease to be forever.”’”

Judgment of Sidon

      20And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 21“Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, prophesy against her

22and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Behold, I am against you, O Sidon,
And I will be glorified in your midst.
Then they will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments in her,
And I will manifest My holiness in her.

      23“For I will send pestilence to her
And blood to her streets,
And the wounded will fall in her midst
By the sword upon her on every side;
Then they will know that I am the LORD.

24“And there will be no more for the house of Israel a prickling brier or a painful thorn from any round about them who scorned them; then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

Israel Regathered

      25‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and will manifest My holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their land which I gave to My servant Jacob. 26“They will live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgments upon all who scorn them round about them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 28:

  • Judgment on the Prince of Tyre: The chapter begins with a prophecy against the prince of Tyre, whose heart was lifted up in pride, claiming to be a god (Ezekiel 28:1-2). God declares that he will be brought down by foreign nations, emphasizing that no one can stand against God’s judgment (Ezekiel 28:6-10).
  • Lament over the King of Tyre: Ezekiel then delivers a lament over the king of Tyre, drawing a striking parallel to the fall of Lucifer. The king is described as having been in Eden, adorned with precious stones, and anointed as a guardian cherub until iniquity was found in him (Ezekiel 28:12-15). This highlights the beauty and splendor that led to his pride and downfall.
  • The Fall of Pride: Because of his pride and corrupted wisdom, God cast him down from his exalted position (Ezekiel 28:16-17). This serves as a stark warning that pride leads to downfall, no matter how exalted one may seem.
  • The Consequence of Arrogance: The chapter concludes with a prophecy against Sidon and a promise of restoration for Israel. This emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment against pride and arrogance (Ezekiel 28:20-26).

Summary Key Points:

  • Danger of Pride: The pride of the prince and king of Tyre serves as a powerful warning that pride leads to downfall.
  • Sovereignty of God: No matter how exalted one may be, God’s judgment is certain and His sovereignty prevails.
  • Call to Humility: We are called to humility, recognizing that all we have and are comes from God, and to guard against the allure of self-exaltation.

Application: Let us examine our hearts for any traces of pride and self-exaltation. May we embrace humility, acknowledging that our beauty, wisdom, and achievements come from God. Let us live in reverence of God’s sovereignty, knowing that He alone exalts and brings down. By cultivating humility, we align ourselves with God’s will and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging Your sovereignty and our need for humility. Search our hearts and remove any trace of pride and self-exaltation. Help us to recognize that all we have comes from You and to live in a way that honors Your sovereignty. Teach us to walk in humility, trusting in Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Money / Finances / Wealth, Pride

The Lament for Tyre: Reflecting on the Perils of Pride and Wealth (Ezekiel 27)

Have you ever considered how fleeting wealth and status can be? Ezekiel 27 offers a vivid lament for the city of Tyre, reminding us of the dangers of pride and the transience of earthly riches.

Key Verse: “Your wealth, merchandise, and wares, your mariners and pilots, your caulkers and merchandisers, all your men of war who are in you, and the entire company which is in your midst, will fall into the midst of the seas on the day of your ruin.” – Ezekiel 27:27 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 27 is a poetic lament for the city of Tyre, renowned for its wealth and commercial success. The chapter paints a detailed picture of Tyre’s splendor and extensive trade network, but it also prophesies its downfall. The lament highlights the pride and false security that come from material wealth, serving as a warning against the perils of relying on earthly riches.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 27

Lament over Tyre

      1Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“And you, son of man, take up a lamentation over Tyre;

3and say to Tyre, who dwells at the entrance to the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coastlands, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“O Tyre, you have said, ‘I am perfect in beauty.’

      4“Your borders are in the heart of the seas;
Your builders have perfected your beauty.

      5“They have made all your planks of fir trees from Senir;
They have taken a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you.

      6“Of oaks from Bashan they have made your oars;
With ivory they have inlaid your deck of boxwood from the coastlands of Cyprus.

      7“Your sail was of fine embroidered linen from Egypt
So that it became your distinguishing mark;
Your awning was blue and purple from the coastlands of Elishah.

      8“The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers;
Your wise men, O Tyre, were aboard; they were your pilots.

      9“The elders of Gebal and her wise men were with you repairing your seams;
All the ships of the sea and their sailors were with you in order to deal in your merchandise.

      10“Persia and Lud and Put were in your army, your men of war. They hung shield and helmet in you; they set forth your splendor. 11“The sons of Arvad and your army were on your walls, all around, and the Gammadim were in your towers. They hung their shields on your walls all around; they perfected your beauty.

      12“Tarshish was your customer because of the abundance of all kinds of wealth; with silver, iron, tin and lead they paid for your wares. 13“Javan, Tubal and Meshech, they were your traders; with the lives of men and vessels of bronze they paid for your merchandise. 14“Those from Beth-togarmah gave horses and war horses and mules for your wares. 15“The sons of Dedan were your traders. Many coastlands were your market; ivory tusks and ebony they brought as your payment. 16“Aram was your customer because of the abundance of your goods; they paid for your wares with emeralds, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral and rubies. 17“Judah and the land of Israel, they were your traders; with the wheat of Minnith, cakes, honey, oil and balm they paid for your merchandise. 18“Damascus was your customer because of the abundance of your goods, because of the abundance of all kinds of wealth, because of the wine of Helbon and white wool. 19“Vedan and Javan paid for your wares from Uzal; wrought iron, cassia and sweet cane were among your merchandise. 20“Dedan traded with you in saddlecloths for riding. 21“Arabia and all the princes of Kedar, they were your customers for lambs, rams and goats; for these they were your customers. 22“The traders of Sheba and Raamah, they traded with you; they paid for your wares with the best of all kinds of spices, and with all kinds of precious stones and gold. 23“Haran, Canneh, Eden, the traders of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad traded with you. 24“They traded with you in choice garments, in clothes of blue and embroidered work, and in carpets of many colors and tightly wound cords, which were among your merchandise.

25“The ships of Tarshish were the carriers for your merchandise.
And you were filled and were very glorious
In the heart of the seas.

      26“Your rowers have brought you
Into great waters;
The east wind has broken you
In the heart of the seas.

      27“Your wealth, your wares, your merchandise,
Your sailors and your pilots,
Your repairers of seams, your dealers in merchandise
And all your men of war who are in you,
With all your company that is in your midst,
Will fall into the heart of the seas
On the day of your overthrow.

      28“At the sound of the cry of your pilots
The pasture lands will shake.

      29“All who handle the oar,
The sailors and all the pilots of the sea
Will come down from their ships;
They will stand on the land,

      30And they will make their voice heard over you
And will cry bitterly.
They will cast dust on their heads,
They will wallow in ashes.

      31“Also they will make themselves bald for you
And gird themselves with sackcloth;
And they will weep for you in bitterness of soul
With bitter mourning.

      32“Moreover, in their wailing they will take up a lamentation for you
And lament over you:
‘Who is like Tyre,
Like her who is silent in the midst of the sea?

      33‘When your wares went out from the seas,
You satisfied many peoples;
With the abundance of your wealth and your merchandise
You enriched the kings of earth.

      34‘Now that you are broken by the seas
In the depths of the waters,
Your merchandise and all your company
Have fallen in the midst of you.

      35‘All the inhabitants of the coastlands
Are appalled at you,
And their kings are horribly afraid;
They are troubled in countenance.

      36‘The merchants among the peoples hiss at you;
You have become terrified
And you will cease to be forever.’”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 27:

  • Tyre’s Splendor and Wealth: The chapter begins by describing Tyre’s beauty and grandeur. Tyre is compared to a splendid ship, made of the finest materials and manned by skilled sailors (Ezekiel 27:1-9). This illustrates the city’s pride in its wealth and craftsmanship.
  • Extensive Trade Network: Tyre’s extensive trade network is depicted through its connections with various nations and regions, bringing in valuable goods and commodities (Ezekiel 27:10-25). This emphasizes Tyre’s economic power and influence.
  • The Fall of Tyre: Despite its wealth and success, Tyre is destined for destruction. The lament describes how the city’s wealth, merchandise, and people will fall into the sea on the day of its ruin (Ezekiel 27:26-27). This serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of material wealth and the consequences of pride.
  • Mourning of the Nations: The surrounding nations and trading partners mourn the fall of Tyre, expressing shock and sorrow at its sudden demise (Ezekiel 27:28-36). This highlights the far-reaching impact of Tyre’s downfall and the lesson it serves to others.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Fleeting Nature of Wealth: Tyre’s wealth and splendor could not prevent its downfall, illustrating the transience of material riches.
  • The Danger of Pride: Tyre’s pride in its wealth and achievements led to its destruction, warning us against placing our security in earthly success.
  • Impact on Others: The fall of Tyre affected many nations, reminding us that our actions and reliance on wealth can have far-reaching consequences.

Application: Let us reflect on the fleeting nature of wealth and the dangers of pride. May we place our security and trust not in material riches but in God, who provides true and lasting security. Let us seek humility and recognize that all we have comes from Him. May we live with the awareness that our actions impact those around us and strive to build a legacy rooted in faith and integrity.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all we have comes from You. Help us to see the fleeting nature of material wealth and to place our trust in You alone. Guard us against pride and the false security that comes from earthly riches. Teach us to live humbly and to recognize the far-reaching impact of our actions. May our lives reflect Your glory and bring lasting blessings to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Arrogance, Discipline / Guidance From God, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Money / Finances / Wealth, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of Tyre: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 26)

Do we sometimes take pride in our own strength and accomplishments, forgetting the ultimate sovereignty of God? Ezekiel 26 warns us about the dangers of pride and self-reliance, reminding us that God alone is sovereign.

Key Verse: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up.'” – Ezekiel 26:3 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 26 contains a prophecy against the city of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy city on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre’s pride and its rejoicing over Jerusalem’s fall led to God’s pronouncement of judgment. This chapter details the complete destruction that would come upon Tyre as a result of its arrogance and opposition to God’s people.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 26

Judgment on Tyre

      1Now in the eleventh year, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, because Tyre has said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gateway of the peoples is broken; it has opened to me. I shall be filled, now that she is laid waste,’ 3therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. 4‘They will destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; and I will scrape her debris from her and make her a bare rock. 5‘She will be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘and she will become spoil for the nations. 6‘Also her daughters who are on the mainland will be slain by the sword, and they will know that I am the LORD.’”

      7For thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will bring upon Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, chariots, cavalry and a great army. 8“He will slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword; and he will make siege walls against you, cast up a ramp against you and raise up a large shield against you. 9“The blow of his battering rams he will direct against your walls, and with his axes he will break down your towers. 10“Because of the multitude of his horses, the dust raised by them will cover you; your walls will shake at the noise of cavalry and wagons and chariots when he enters your gates as men enter a city that is breached. 11“With the hoofs of his horses he will trample all your streets. He will slay your people with the sword; and your strong pillars will come down to the ground. 12“Also they will make a spoil of your riches and a prey of your merchandise, break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses, and throw your stones and your timbers and your debris into the water. 13“So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the sound of your harps will be heard no more. 14“I will make you a bare rock; you will be a place for the spreading of nets. You will be built no more, for I the LORD have spoken,” declares the Lord GOD.

      15Thus says the Lord GOD to Tyre, “Shall not the coastlands shake at the sound of your fall when the wounded groan, when the slaughter occurs in your midst? 16“Then all the princes of the sea will go down from their thrones, remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment and be appalled at you.

17“They will take up a lamentation over you and say to you,
‘How you have perished, O inhabited one,
From the seas, O renowned city,
Which was mighty on the sea,
She and her inhabitants,
Who imposed her terror
On all her inhabitants!

      18‘Now the coastlands will tremble
On the day of your fall;
Yes, the coastlands which are by the sea
Will be terrified at your passing.’”

      19For thus says the Lord GOD, “When I make you a desolate city, like the cities which are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you and the great waters cover you, 20then I will bring you down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of old, and I will make you dwell in the lower parts of the earth, like the ancient waste places, with those who go down to the pit, so that you will not be inhabited; but I will set glory in the land of the living. 21“I will bring terrors on you and you will be no more; though you will be sought, you will never be found again,” declares the Lord GOD.

Reflection on Ezekiel 26:

  • God’s Judgment on Tyre: God declares that He is against Tyre and will bring many nations against it like the waves of the sea (Ezekiel 26:3). This imagery of relentless waves underscores the certainty and totality of Tyre’s impending destruction.
  • Destruction of the City: The prophecy describes how Tyre’s walls and towers will be broken down, and its dust scraped away, making it a bare rock (Ezekiel 26:4). This complete devastation illustrates the futility of relying on one’s own strength and defenses against God’s judgment.
  • The Ruin of Wealth and Commerce: Tyre, known for its wealth and bustling commerce, will see its riches plundered and its merchants lamenting its fall (Ezekiel 26:12-15). This highlights how material wealth and human achievements are transient and cannot save us from God’s sovereign will.
  • A Warning to Others: The fall of Tyre serves as a warning to other nations and cities. They will be appalled at Tyre’s downfall and recognize the sovereignty of God (Ezekiel 26:16-21). This calls for humility and acknowledgment of God’s ultimate authority over all.

Summary Key Points:

  • Pride and Downfall: Tyre’s pride and self-reliance led to its complete destruction by God’s decree.
  • Transience of Wealth: Material wealth and human achievements are fleeting and cannot protect us from God’s judgment.
  • God’s Sovereignty: The fall of Tyre serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate authority and power over all nations and people.

Application: Let us examine our own lives for areas where pride and self-reliance may have taken root. May we humbly acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit to His will, recognizing that true security and strength come from Him alone. Let us not place our trust in material wealth or human achievements but in God’s enduring power and grace.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and power over all. Help us to recognize areas of pride and self-reliance in our lives and to submit humbly to Your will. Teach us to place our trust not in material wealth or human achievements but in Your enduring strength and grace. May we live lives that reflect Your humility and acknowledge Your ultimate authority. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Discerning / Judging, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Intgegrity / Honesty, Pride, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Wise

Navigating Life’s Path with Wisdom: Insights from Proverbs 16

Ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure which path to take or decision to make? Proverbs 16 offers timeless wisdom to guide us through life’s complexities, illuminating the way forward with clarity and discernment.

Reconnect: Proverbs, often described as a treasure trove of practical wisdom, provides invaluable insights into navigating life’s myriad challenges. In Proverbs 16, we encounter a wealth of proverbial nuggets that offer profound truths for our journey.

Proverbs 16: The sixteenth chapter of Proverbs opens with a poignant reminder of the sovereignty of God over human affairs, highlighting the importance of committing our plans to Him. As we journey through the chapter, we encounter a tapestry of wisdom woven into various facets of life, from relationships and humility to righteousness and discernment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 16

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

      2All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.

      3Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established.

      4The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.

      5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

      6By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,
And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

      7When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

      8Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.

      9The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

      10A divine decision is in the lips of the king;
His mouth should not err in judgment.

      11A just balance and scales belong to the LORD;
All the weights of the bag are His concern.

      12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
For a throne is established on righteousness.

      13Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.

      14The fury of a king is like messengers of death,
But a wise man will appease it.

      15In the light of a king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.

      16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

      17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who watches his way preserves his life.

      18Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

      19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

      20He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

      21The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

      22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
But the discipline of fools is folly.

      23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

      24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

      25There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

      26A worker’s appetite works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.

      27A worthless man digs up evil,
While his words are like scorching fire.

      28A perverse man spreads strife,
And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

      29A man of violence entices his neighbor
And leads him in a way that is not good.

      30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;
He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

      31A gray head is a crown of glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness.

      32He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

      33The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.

Key Points:

  • Sovereignty and Trust: The chapter begins with the acknowledgment that while we may devise our plans, it is the Lord who ultimately directs our steps. Trusting in His providence and guidance is paramount as we navigate life’s uncertainties.
  • Humility and Wisdom: Verses 5 and 18 underscore the destructive nature of pride and the importance of humility in fostering healthy relationships and wise decision-making.
  • Integrity and Righteousness: Throughout the chapter, the value of integrity and righteousness is emphasized, contrasting the fleeting allure of ill-gotten gain with the enduring blessings of righteousness.
  • Discernment and Understanding: Proverbs 16 exhorts us to seek wisdom and understanding, recognizing that discernment is a precious commodity that leads to life and favor.

Call to Action: Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 16, let us embark on a journey of growth and transformation guided by the principles of God’s Word.

  • Commit Your Plans to God: Take time to prayerfully surrender your plans and aspirations to the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom to guide your steps.
  • Cultivate Humility: Reflect on areas of your life where pride may be hindering your relationships or decision-making. Embrace humility as a virtue that fosters harmony and wisdom.
  • Pursue Righteousness: Strive to live a life marked by integrity and righteousness, honoring God in all your actions and interactions.
  • Seek Wisdom Daily: Make it a priority to seek wisdom and understanding from God’s Word and through prayer. Cultivate a discerning spirit that leads to life and favor.

As we journey through the ever-changing landscape of life, may the wisdom of Proverbs 16 serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path before us and empowering us to walk in righteousness and understanding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the timeless wisdom found in Your Word, particularly in the book of Proverbs. Grant us the grace to heed its teachings and apply its truths to our daily lives. May we walk in humility and righteousness, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in all that we do. Lead us, O Lord, along paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.