Reaping the Dreadful Consequences of Pride

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, July 12, 2023
When pride comes, then comes shame but with the humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2 (NKJV)

Herod Agrippa hated the early Christian church and determined to destroy the body of Christ. He killed Apostle James, the son of Zebedee and put Apostle Peter in maximum prison. These acts, coupled with his power and influence, made Herod an arrogant and cruel ruler who eventually reaped the dreadful consequences of pride.

“The Voice of a God and Not of a Man!”

We pick the story in Acts Chapter 12, verse 20. The king is angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Realizing Herod will punish them for their unmentioned sins, and knowing well they depend on him for food, these people approach the King through the latter’s aide, seeking for reconciliation and peace.

On the appointed date for the meeting, the king adorns his royal apparel and comes before the people of Tyre and Sidon. Apparently, Herod is a gifted orator. He also appears to love flattery, and the listeners give him copious amounts of it. As he speaks, they keep shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” (Acts 12:22).

Harvesting the Fearful Fruits of Arrogance

Herod is an Orthodox Jew hence aware of God’s commandment not to have any other gods except Jehovah. He knows that it is an abomination to claim or assume to be God. He has time and opportunity to stop his audience from ascribing divinity to him but he chooses to bask in the glory of human praise and flattery.

“Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 12:23). Herod’s pride gets the better of him, blinding him from recognizing the abomination he is committing. His death is swift and shameful. Worms eat him to death!

Contrasting Pride and Humility

Herod would have lived longer if he had heeded King Solomon’s wise counsel, “When pride comes, then comes shame but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2). Egotism is a cancer that gradually eats away our conscience until we lose sight of who we are before God and men. Arrogance ultimately leads to shame and death.

Humility is the opposite of pride. Meek people give God first place in their lives. They listen to the Lord and to their consciences before they act. The meek recognize their mistakes, admit there are wrong, apologize, and make amends. By doing so, they become wise. Their role model is Jesus who states, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29).

Reaping the Dreadful Consequences of Pride

Would you rather reap the dreadful consequences of sin or be humble and receive wisdom? Examine yourself and see whether there are traces of arrogance within your heart and life. Ask God to help you get rid of egotism. Plead with Him to permeate you with humility. Watch out for situations where Satan tempts you to disregard God in your life.

Prayer
Dear God, empty me of pride and imbue me with humility. In place of shame, give me wisdom that I may represent You ably on earth.