Compare Moab's pride with Proverbs 16:18. What similarities do you find? Moab’s Pride on Display (Isaiah 16:6) “We have heard of Moab’s pride—how very proud he is—of his arrogance, his pride, his insolence, and his empty boasting.” (Isaiah 16:6) Solomon’s Warning (Proverbs 16:18) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Shared Threads Between Moab and Proverbs 16:18 • Same root attitude – Moab: “arrogance… insolence… empty boasting.” – Proverbs: “pride… haughty spirit.” • Same trajectory – Moab’s self-exaltation leads to national humiliation (Isaiah 16:7–14; Jeremiah 48:42). – Proverbs states the universal law: pride → destruction, haughtiness → fall. • Same false security – Moab trusted fortified cities and wealth (Jeremiah 48:7). – Proverbs exposes the illusion that pride can hold one up. • Same divine response – God opposes the proud (James 4:6); He brought Moab low (Isaiah 15–16). – Proverbs announces the pattern of God’s governance: downfall follows pride. Historical Proof of the Principle 1. Moab’s downfall under Babylon (Jeremiah 27:3–6) validated Proverbs 16:18 in real time. 2. Other examples echo the pattern: • Pharaoh (Exodus 14) • Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30–37) • Edom (Obadiah 1:3–4) Living Takeaways • Pride is never merely an attitude; it is a countdown to collapse. • National, congregational, or personal life all move on the same track: humility invites grace; arrogance invites judgment (1 Peter 5:5–6). • The surest protection from Moab’s fate is daily dependence on the Lord, esteeming Him—not ourselves—as our security and boast (Jeremiah 9:23–24). |