Humility

Humility

But when [Nebuchadnezzar’s] heart and mind were hardened with pride, he was brought down from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

Daniel 5:20

To be a person of humility is to exhibit modesty in behavior, attitude, and spirit, not demonstrating arrogance or pride. An Old Testament king who was anything but humble, Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and carried the people of Judah into captivity. He had also set up a golden statue of himself and required all his subjects to worship it! Although the prophet Daniel warned King Nebuchadnezzar to repent and change his ways, the king refused to heed his advice.

We read in Daniel 4:30 that Nebuchadnezzar made an arrogant declaration about himself: “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (NIV). While he was finishing his pompous statement, a voice from heaven told him that his authority would be taken away, and he would live with the wild animals and eat grass like cattle. Tell this story to your children the next time you’re driving down a country road and see some cattle. Old Nebuchadnezzar experienced a bit of a lifestyle change! Because the king did not humble himself before God, God brought the path of humiliation to him, giving him yet another opportunity to change.

The good news is that he did have a change of heart. The king learned that he was nothing and God was everything. When we have that kind of perspective, pride and arrogance dissolve. Nebuchadnezzar looked up to heaven, saying, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37, NIV). Humility before God restores our dignity and sanity, resulting in a changed life that praises God.

Father,

What a merciful God you are! Even when Nebuchadnezzar overdosed on his own pride, you graciously restored him once he took his eyes off himself and looked to you. May we do the same. Amen.