How can we guard against pride similar to the "prince of Tyre"? The Ancient Warning “Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Your heart has become proud, and you have said, “I am a god; I sit in the seat of the gods in the heart of the seas.” But you are a man and not a god, though you have made your heart like the heart of a god.’” (Ezekiel 28:2) Tracing the Path to Pride • Self-exaltation – the prince of Tyre claimed divine status, shifting glory from God to self • Misplaced security – wealth, trade, and wisdom produced unhealthy confidence (Ezekiel 28:4-5) • Rejection of limits – “you are a man and not a god” highlights a refusal to embrace creaturely boundaries • Hardening of heart – persistent success dulled sensitivity to God’s voice until judgment fell (Ezekiel 28:6-8) Spotting Pride in Our Own Hearts • Reluctance to acknowledge dependence on the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-7) • Irritation when others correct or outshine us (Proverbs 13:10) • Secret delight in praise and resentment when it fades (John 12:43) • Neglect of prayer and Scripture because skills seem sufficient (Deuteronomy 8:11-14) Building Humility: Protective Practices • Daily confession of God’s sovereignty and our need (Psalm 95:6-7) • Gratitude lists that name specific gifts and accomplishments as God’s grace (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Regular service in unnoticed tasks to train the heart toward lowliness (Mark 10:43-45) • Generous giving that loosens the grip of possessions (1 Timothy 6:17-19) • Accountability relationships where trusted believers speak truth in love (Proverbs 27:6) • Consistent meditation on Christ’s example: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) Scripture Anchors to Keep Pride in Check • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) • “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think with sober judgment.” (Romans 12:3) Living It Out Today Continual awe of God, purposeful humility practices, and steady immersion in Scripture form a strong guardrail against the prince-of-Tyre kind of pride. By keeping Christ exalted and ourselves rightly small, we walk safely in the grace that lifts the humble and brings lasting glory to God. |
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