In what ways can we guard our hearts against prideful intentions like the king's?

Setting the Scene

“Then the king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant; he will take action and then return to his land.” (Daniel 11:28)

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The King’s Lesson in Pride

• Great success did not soften his heart; it hardened it.

• Wealth became a platform for hostility toward God’s covenant.

• His “action” flowed from inner intent—proving that unresolved pride always finds expression.

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Recognizing the Danger Signs

• Celebrating victories without thanking God (Deuteronomy 8:17–18).

• Evaluating ourselves against others instead of against Christ (2 Corinthians 10:12).

• Dismissing conviction or counsel that challenges our comfort (Proverbs 15:32).

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Practices for Guarding Our Hearts

• Daily Scripture intake

– Hide the Word in your heart to resist self-exaltation (Psalm 119:11).

• Intentional humility

– Choose the lower seat, the unnoticed task, the unpublicized gift (Luke 14:10–11).

• Accountable relationships

– “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). Invite honest feedback.

• Regular confession

– Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9) and others (James 5:16).

• Serving the saints

– “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Service redirects focus from self to Christ.

• Grateful worship

– Thankfulness magnifies God’s grace and shrinks self-importance (Psalm 95:1–7).

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Encouraging Scriptures for Humility

• Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.”

• Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

• James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

• Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good…to walk humbly with your God.”

• 1 Peter 5:5–6 – “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you in due time.”

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Walking It Out Daily

• Start mornings by acknowledging God’s sovereignty over every success.

• Keep a gratitude journal to rehearse His faithfulness.

• Speak well of others; refuse to magnify self.

• Fast occasionally to remind your soul Who satisfies.

• End each day asking, “Did I draw attention to Christ or to myself?”

As we treasure these rhythms, the Holy Spirit forms a humble heart that resists the king’s prideful path and delights in God’s covenant instead.