Lessons from Daniel
The Danger of Pride (Daniel 4:1-37)
This is one of the most interesting events in the book of Daniel. In this passage Nebuchadnezzar loses his mind and is turned into a wild beast. He eats grass like an ox and is covered with hair like the feathers of a bird. At the end of seven years God gives him back his mind and restores his kingdom. All this was done to humble Nebuchadnezzar and show him that God was the God of heaven. At the end of the chapter Nebuchadnezzar himself gives us a warning in regards to pride.
“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment; and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” Daniel 4:37
There is usually always a warning
In verse 27 Daniel gives a warning to the King about what is going to happen to him. The King ignores the warning and boast of his kingdom and his dream comes true exactly as Daniel had said it would (verses 28-33).
When we get into pride there is usually a warning from someone who knows us before calamity strikes. The problem is we usually ignore the warning just as the King did (Proverbs 29:1).
The Danger of Pride
In verses 28-31 we see Nebuchadnezzar’s pride. Below are a few verses from Proverbs in regards to pride.
Proverbs 11:2 (Pride brings shame)
Proverbs 16:18 (Pride brings destruction)
Proverbs 29:23 (Pride brings a man low)
It is easy to see how these verses played out in the Kings life in this chapter.
The Solution for this problem
In verses 34 -37 the King humbles himself and gives praise and honor to God instead of taking it for himself. This is what must be done. When we see pride slip up inside of us we must humble ourselves as the word of God says in James 4:6-10. This is the only way to avoiding the danger of pride.
Lessons from Daniel
The Danger of Pride (Daniel 4:1-37) : Handout
1) What is happening in Daniel Chapter 4?
2) What usually accompanies pride in our lives before a downfall?
3) Give a chain reference from Proverbs for pride and show how they fit Nebuchadnezzar.
4) What is the solution for pride? Give a reference.