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Uzziah became King at the very young age of sixteen (2 Chronicles 26:1). Unlike many of his predecessors and peers, he began the race well and "did what was right in the sight of the Lord" (v.4). He sought the Lord, and God blessed him and rewarded him with prosperity (v.5).
The Lord helped Uzziah defeat his enemies (v.7), and rumors of Uzziah's fame and power spread abroad (v.8). This young King saw much success and kingdom stability as he defeated his foes, built cities, and conquered lands. Everything seems to be going well for him (vv.9-15). But as they say, "It's not how you begin the race that counts, but it is how you finish the race."
I've heard it said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Uzziah allowed his power and success to foster in him a heart of pride and anger. "But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction" (v.16). His pride led to disobedience, anger, and unfaithfulness to the Lord, and God struck him with leprosy (vv.17-19).
Thomas Aquinas said, "In order to overcome pride, God will punish certain men by allowing them to fall into sins of the flesh, which though actually are less grievous than pride itself, are outwardly more shameful . . . From this indeed, the gravity of pride is made manifest. For just as a wise physician, in order to cure a worse disease, allows the patient to contract one that is less dangerous, so that the sin of pride is shown to be more grievous, by the very fact that as a remedy, God allows some of them to fall into other sins."
Pride tops God's list of seven abominations listed in Proverbs 6:16-19. I think it is at the root of every sin, and it brings destruction to the heart it inhabits (Proverbs 16:19). Pride is the demise of many great men. Its poison rushes through man's veins, turning its victim to a plethora of vanities. Left unchecked, man will not survive the side effects of pride.
Philippians 2:3 states, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." Humility is opposed to pride. The Bible says, "humility brings honor" (Proverbs 29:23). The humble in heart will receive favor from God (1 Peter 5:5). God elevates the humble to heights that He can use them and bless them. When I humble myself, the pride in me is destroyed. As I put others first, I am then exalted by God.
Lord, I humble myself and confess any pride and ask you to forgive me. Please expose any areas of pride in our lives that we may humble ourselves instead of being humbled by You.
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