What practical steps can we take to avoid prideful behavior in our lives? The Snapshot of Ben-Hadad’s Pride “Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he ordered his servants, ‘Prepare to attack.’ So they made preparations to attack the city.” (1 Kings 20:12) Ben-Hadad sits in comfort, bragging over wine, certain of victory. He presumes on his power, ignores God’s warnings, and launches an attack that will soon end in humiliating defeat (vv. 20–21, 29–30). His arrogance gives us a living picture of the danger pride poses to any heart that thinks it can stand without God. Why Pride Is So Dangerous • 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.” • 1 Peter 5:5–6 — “Clothe yourselves with humility… that He may exalt you at the proper time.” Unchecked pride cuts us off from divine help, warps our judgment, and sets us up for collapse—just as surely as it toppled Ben-Hadad. Practical Steps to Avoid Prideful Behavior Stay sober-minded • Ben-Hadad boasted while drinking. Keep a clear head (1 Thessalonians 5:6–8) so the heart stays clear too. Remember Who gives the victory • Acknowledge God in every success (Psalm 115:1). Refuse to say, “My own hand has done this” (Deuteronomy 8:17). Nurture daily gratitude • Thank God aloud for specific blessings. Gratitude shifts attention from self-achievement to God’s provision (Colossians 3:15). Keep short accounts with sin • When pride surfaces, confess immediately (1 John 1:9). Repentance breaks pride’s momentum. Seek wise, humble counsel • Surround yourself with people who fear the Lord and will speak truth (Proverbs 27:6, 17). Ben-Hadad listened only to drinking companions; we need friends who point us to Scripture. Serve others intentionally • Volunteer, give, mentor. “Through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Serving reminds us we are servants, not sovereigns. Meditate on Christ’s humility • Philippians 2:5-8 shows the King who “made Himself nothing.” Regular reflection on His descent from glory to cross softens a proud heart. Practice anonymity when possible • Do good works in secret (Matthew 6:1-4). Hidden obedience starves the ego of applause. Keep an eternal perspective • “What is your life? You are a mist” (James 4:14). Remembering how brief and dependent we are guards against self-importance. Living Humility Day by Day Pride evaporates when we walk in awe of God, stay rooted in His Word, and treat every breath as mercy. Ben-Hadad’s story warns, but it also invites: trade boasting for gratitude, self-reliance for surrender, and shallow confidence for the lasting honor God gives the humble. |
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