What can we learn about pride from the actions in 1 Chronicles 19:6? The Setting in 1 Chronicles 19:6 “When the Ammonites realized they had become a stench to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen from Aram Naharaim, Aram Maacah, and Zobah.” (1 Chronicles 19:6) • David’s envoys had been publicly shamed (vv. 1–5). • The Ammonites recognized their offense yet chose self-defense rather than repentance. • Pride immediately redirected their energy and wealth toward hiring foreign armies. How Pride Shows Up in Hanun’s Choice • Denial of fault – they acknowledged David’s displeasure but refused to admit sin. • Image-management – protecting reputation took priority over restoring relationship. • Self-reliance – silver and soldiers were trusted instead of seeking mercy. • Escalation of conflict – pride pushed a personal insult into a regional war. • Waste of resources – 1,000 talents of silver (over 37 tons) squandered on a lost cause. The Downward Spiral Confirmed Later in the Chapter • Military defeat followed (vv. 14–18). • Vassalage and servitude resulted (v. 19). • The very allies they bought abandoned them, exposing the emptiness of prideful alliances. Timeless Scriptural Truths About Pride • “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) • “When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) • “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him.” (Psalm 10:4) Lessons for Life Today • Recognizing wrongdoing is not enough; pride resists confession and fuels self-justification. • Pride spends heavily—time, money, relationships—to preserve ego. • Reliance on human strength invites the opposition of God Himself. • Humility, not force, opens the way to grace, peace, and lasting honor (Luke 14:11). Cultivating Humility Instead of Pride • Practice immediate repentance when sin is exposed (1 John 1:9). • Seek reconciliation over retaliation (Romans 12:18). • Depend on the Lord rather than human schemes (Psalm 20:7). • Serve others, following Christ’s example of self-emptying humility (Philippians 2:5-8). |
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