What other biblical instances show the dangers of pride and flattery? Hezekiah’s Moment of Pride — Isaiah 39:1 “ At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness and recovery.” (Isaiah 39:1) • The Babylonian envoy flatters Hezekiah’s success. • Hezekiah shows off his treasures instead of glorifying God (vv. 2–4). • Isaiah warns that everything the king bragged about will be carried away to Babylon (vv. 5–7). Pride welcomed flattery, and flattery opened the door to future captivity. Old Testament Snapshots of Pride and Flattery • Genesis 11:4—Tower of Babel builders boast, “let us make a name for ourselves,” and God scatters them. • Numbers 22–24—Balak’s promises of honor tempt Balaam; the prophet’s craving for reward brings God’s anger (Numbers 22:32). • 2 Chronicles 26:15–16—Uzziah’s fame “spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong. But when he was strong, he grew proud to his destruction.” • Esther 5:11–14—Haman boasts of “his great riches and his many sons,” yet the gallows he builds for Mordecai becomes his own doom (Esther 7:10). • Daniel 4:30–37—Nebuchadnezzar exults, “Is this not Babylon I have built?”; God humbles him until he acknowledges, “those who walk in pride He is able to humble.” • 2 Chronicles 32:25—After miraculous deliverance, “Hezekiah did not repay the kindness shown to him, because his heart was proud,” bringing wrath until he repented. • Psalm 12:2–3 highlights the link: “They flatter with their lips and harbor deception… may the LORD cut off all flattering lips.” Pride speaks with smooth words that lead to ruin. New Testament Warnings • Luke 18:11—The Pharisee flatters himself: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men,” yet goes home unjustified (v. 14). • Acts 12:22–23—Crowds cry, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”; Herod accepts the flattery and is struck down by an angel. • Romans 16:18—“By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” Prideful teachers prey on listeners who enjoy being praised. • Revelation 3:17—Laodicea boasts, “I am rich; I have need of nothing,” yet the Lord calls them “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” Common Threads to Notice • Flattery feeds existing pride; together they harden hearts against God’s glory. • God consistently opposes and humbles the proud (James 4:6). • Those who hunger for praise can be manipulated by enemies—whether Babylon’s envoys, false friends, or crowds. • Repentance and humility restore favor, as seen with Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:26) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:34–37). Guarding Our Hearts Today • Keep credit flowing upward: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). • Measure compliments against Scripture; do they exalt God or the ego? • Cultivate confidential stewardship—Hezekiah’s open treasury became Babylon’s shopping list. • Practice thankfulness and accountability; pride shrivels where gratitude and honest community thrive. |
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