God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

Beware the Fall

Read 2 Chronicles 26:9–23; Isaiah 6:1–13

Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). This profound proverb teaches a vital truth. Pride will bring you down. Men like Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, and Napoleon Bonaparte were undone by pride.

King Uzziah was only a teenager when the crown and kingdom was thrust upon him. In the early years of his reign, he was humble and walked in the ways of the Lord, and the Lord blessed him in everything he did.

Uzziah won great battles and accomplished many amazing things. News of God’s favor on Uzziah spread, and Uzziah became a very wealthy, powerful, and famous king. Then it all came undone.

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense (2 Chronicles 26:16).

Uzziah let his importance go to his head, and he began to think he was above following God’s commands. From that day forward, Uzziah suffered from leprosy until his death. His pride cost him his influence and kingdom.

Thought for Today: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Quicklook: 2 Chronicles 26:11–21