How does Samson's behavior in Judges 16:7 connect to Proverbs 16:18? The Text in View Judges 16:7 – “Samson told her, ‘If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings that have not been dried, I will become weak and be like any other man.’” Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” What Samson Actually Does • Answers Delilah’s question without real concern for the danger involved • Treats his Nazirite strength as an untouchable guarantee • Plays with sin—lying, flirting with betrayal, edging nearer to full disclosure • Acts as though no consequence can truly reach him Spotting the Pride • Confidence rooted in self, not in the LORD who granted his strength (Judges 13:5) • Assumes he controls when and how he will be captured • Believes repeated compromise will never catch up with him • Ignores prior warnings—each failed binding should have jolted him awake Connection to Proverbs 16:18 • Pride: Samson’s casual boasting about what might “weaken” him shows a lifted heart • Haughty spirit: He disdains the Philistines’ plots, sure he can shake them off anytime • Destruction/fall: The pattern leads straight to verse 20, where his eyes are gouged out—literal, devastating collapse Parallel Scriptures Reinforcing the Principle • 1 Corinthians 10:12 – “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” All echo the same trajectory: unchecked pride invites defeat. Lessons for Today • No gift of God—talent, position, calling—is immune to loss when pride is nursed • Repeated flirting with temptation dulls discernment until collapse feels sudden • Humility safeguards strength; confession and accountability keep us alert • God’s warnings often come in stages (as with each failed binding). Listening early spares later anguish Take-Home Reminders • Pride masks real vulnerability • Humility admits dependence on God for every victory • The surest way to preserve God-given strength is to honor the Giver, not the gift |
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