What lessons on humility can we apply from 1 Kings 20:2 today? Setting the scene Ben-hadad’s message in 1 Kings 20:2 declares, “Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine as well.” One sentence drips with boastful entitlement. The king of Aram assumes absolute control over Ahab’s possessions and family, exposing a heart swollen with pride. Contrast of pride and humility • Ben-hadad’s arrogance highlights the opposite of humility. • Ahab, although spiritually compromised, must decide whether to submit to the Lord or cave to human intimidation. • Scripture consistently shows God opposing the proud yet giving grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility lessons for today • Recognize God’s ownership of everything – Ben-hadad says, “Your silver and gold are mine,” but Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – True humility keeps stewardship, not possession, at the center of our hearts. • Reject the impulse to control others – Ben-hadad demanded even Ahab’s “best wives and children,” treating people as property. – Humility sees every person as bearing God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and refuses to manipulate for personal gain. • Guard against overconfidence in power or position – Thirty-two allied kings and a massive army fed Ben-hadad’s self-assurance. – Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction.” Humility holds influence loosely, mindful that God alone exalts and humbles (1 Samuel 2:7). • Submit to God before circumstances force the issue – Ahab eventually turns to prophetic counsel and witnesses God’s deliverance (vv. 13-21), but only after humiliation threatened him. – Philippians 2:3 urges, “In humility consider others more important than yourselves,” inviting proactive surrender rather than reactive desperation. Supporting Scriptures • 1 Peter 5:5-6—“Clothe yourselves with humility… Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.” • Micah 6:8—“He has shown you… what is good… to walk humbly with your God.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14—God heals a land when His people “humble themselves and pray.” Personal application • Daily acknowledge God’s right to every resource we manage. • Treat family, coworkers, and strangers as souls to serve, not assets to leverage. • Hold authority with open hands, welcoming accountability and correction. • Choose humility in prayer, confession, and obedience before trials make it unavoidable. |