How does Amos 6:13 warn against pride in personal achievements? Text at a Glance Amos 6:13: “you who rejoice in Lo-debar and say, ‘Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?’” Historical Backdrop • Amos addresses wealthy leaders in Israel’s northern kingdom during a season of prosperity. • “Lo-debar” translates as “nothing” or “no-thing,” a captured city in Transjordan. • “Karnaim” means “horns,” a symbol of power; it, too, had been conquered. • The people revel in military success, crediting their own strength while ignoring the Lord who enabled every victory. Pride Exposed in the Verse • They “rejoice in Lo-debar”—celebrating what amounts to “nothing” before God. • They boast, “Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?”—claiming sovereign power that belongs to the Lord alone (Isaiah 42:8). • Their self-congratulation reveals a heart condition: confidence in human ability rather than humble gratitude to God. Timeless Lessons for Us • Achievements become empty trophies when God is removed from the story. • Self-reliance blinds us to our true dependence on the Lord (John 15:5). • Pride invites judgment; humility invites grace (James 4:6). Cross-References that Drive the Point Home • Deuteronomy 8:17-18—“You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand have made this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God …” • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Jeremiah 9:23-24—“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom … but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.” • 1 Corinthians 4:7—“What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” Practical Responses • Recognize every accomplishment as a gift from God; verbalize thanks immediately. • Re-evaluate any tendency to measure worth by titles, possessions, or victories. • Redirect praise to the Lord when others commend your success. • Cultivate humility through regular meditation on God’s sovereignty and Scripture memory of the verses above. |
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