How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride seen in Elam's example? Setting the Scene—Ezekiel 32:24 “Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword, who descended into the earth’s depths uncircumcised, who spread terror in the land of the living. They bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit.” In one terse verse, God memorializes an entire nation’s collapse. Power, population, and reputation could not shield Elam from divine judgment. At the root of their downfall sits pride—self-reliance, violence, and covenant refusal (“uncircumcised”). Their grave warns every generation: pride invites ruin. What Went Wrong for Elam? • National self-confidence: Elam trusted military strength, not the Lord (cf. Jeremiah 49:35–37). • Terrorizing influence: They “spread terror,” exalting themselves by intimidating others. • Spiritual indifference: “Uncircumcised” signals rejection of God’s covenant sign (Genesis 17:10-14). • Final exposure: Their shame is public, unmissable, irreversible—“around her grave” for all to see. Recognizing the Seeds of Pride Today • Quiet self-sufficiency: “I’ve got this” nudges God to the margins (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Platform building: Measuring worth by followers, titles, or achievements (1 John 2:16). • Diminishing others: Sarcasm, gossip, or intimidation that props up ego (James 3:9-10). • Hardened heart toward correction: Resisting counsel reveals hidden arrogance (Proverbs 12:15). Four Protective Practices 1. Daily Humble Worship • Begin each day acknowledging God’s sovereignty (Psalm 95:6-7). • Sing or read aloud a psalm that magnifies His greatness and our dependence. 2. Scripture-Shaped Self-Assessment • Use passages like Philippians 2:3-11 to evaluate motives. • Ask, “Does this decision imitate Christ’s humility?” 3. Community Accountability • Invite trusted believers to speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:6). • Keep short accounts—confess pride quickly (1 John 1:9). 4. Active Service to the Overlooked • Serve where applause is unlikely (Matthew 6:1-4). • Regular acts of unseen mercy starve pride of oxygen. Scripture Connections that Keep Us Grounded • Proverbs 16:18—“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Isaiah 66:2—“But on this one will I look: on him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word.” • Luke 18:14—“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” • 1 Peter 5:5—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Revelation 3:17–18—Laodicea’s self-deception echoes Elam: wealth without spiritual sight. A Final Encouragement Elam’s grave is fixed in history, but our story is still unfolding. As we choose humility—delighting in God’s greatness and depending on His grace—we sidestep the snare that trapped Elam and walk the safe, joy-filled road of honor that He promises to the lowly. |