What can we learn about pride from Uzziah's actions in 2 Chronicles 26:18? The Backstory Uzziah began well—seeking God, gaining strength, and enjoying remarkable success (2 Chronicles 26:5, 7–15). Yet as soon as he “grew powerful, his heart was lifted up to his destruction” (v. 16). Feeling entitled, he marched into the temple to offer incense—an act God reserved exclusively for Aaron’s priestly line (Exodus 30:7–8; Numbers 18:7). A Stark Rebuke “ ‘It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary now, for you have acted unfaithfully, and you will not receive honor from the LORD God.’ ” (2 Chronicles 26:18) What Pride Looks Like • Overstepping God-given boundaries—assuming authority God never assigned • Treating holy things casually, forgetting they belong to the Lord, not to us • Refusing correction; Uzziah entered “angry” debate with eighty valiant priests (v. 17), revealing a stubborn heart • Substituting personal achievement for humble obedience—success became an idol God’s Response to Pride • Instant leprosy sprang up on Uzziah’s forehead (v. 19–20)—a visible, humiliating judgment • Isolation followed; he lived in a separate house, cut off from the temple (v. 21) • His reign ended in disgrace, illustrating Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Practical Takeaways • Guard success with humility. The very achievements God grants can tempt us to self-exaltation. • Honor God-ordained roles. Respecting His order protects us from presumptuous sin. • Welcome correction. Wise believers “listen to advice and accept instruction” (Proverbs 19:20). • Remember God’s holiness. Familiarity must never breed contempt for sacred things. • Depend on grace, not position. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 18:12—“Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” • Psalm 131:1—“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty…” • Isaiah 57:15—God dwells “with the contrite and humble in spirit.” • Philippians 2:5–7—Christ Himself “emptied Himself,” modeling the opposite of Uzziah’s self-elevation. |
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