Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Pro. 16:18-19
The Bible constantly warns us of the dangers of pride. Why? Because pride deposes God as the sovereign of our lives. Once pride controls a man, he ceases to recognize God as the Master (cf. Det. 8:11-20; Ps. 12:3,4; 52:7; 10:1-5; Pr. 6:16; 8:13; etc). The ruin of pride is one of the lessons we learn studying the Old Testament Kings. This is illustrated in the study of two Pharaohs:
I. PHARAOH # 1 {Gen. 50:4-11}. The following character traits are discovered about him:
He was respectful to others {v. 6}
He Acknowledged God’s sovereignty {cf. 41:25-32}. Thus he believed and trusted God {41:39}
His respect for God impacted others for good - the World was saved from starvation.
He was humble that he submitted willingly to God’s Word, and did exactly as advised {cf. 41:37}. That willingness brought peace and security to the nation that made Pharaoh a mighty king {41:57; 42:2}.
II. PHARAOH # 2 {Ex. 5:1-21}. This King is completely a contrast to the former. In his true character he was self-centered, ruthless, and a tyrant (10:3b):
He was full of contempt {cf. 18:2}.
He was inflexible - he refused to follow God’s directions. His was a bent to self rather than God “I will NOT let Israel go! That resolution brought calamities to the land.
He was controlled by anger. His rage was sinful. This viciously attacked and caused much suffering.
He was motivated by self-interest {5:4,5}. To him, the words of Moses and Aaron was a challenge to his monarchy.
He lacked respect for others. He ordered for their destruction without conscience.
He was ego-centric. He thought himself greater than Jehovah God.
He was offended at God’s Word. He didn’t see reasons for taken God’s command.
He was a profane person. Egyptian religion persuaded him to believe that he was god. He became insolent and opposed God’s authority. He demonstrated a haughty sin {cf. Ps.73:9; 2 Thess. 2:4}.
We can be profane today as Pharaoh {cf. Titus 1:16}.
He depreciated God’s Holy Word {5:9}. These are always the words of those that oppose God {cf. 2 Kings 18:20; Acts 17:32}.
He persisted in wrong-doing and even escalated his sin. He held God in a very inferior esteem. His ignorance of God could have been corrected, but he remained ignorant.
He was proud. He could not change his orders. He thought he was invincible and able easily to escape God’s authority. In 5:2 he speaks as though he was the supreme monarch of the universe and there was no one rival to him.
He was sinful at speech. His words were bitter and spiteful.
His lack of respect for God impacted negatively on others {5:21}.
III. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE TWO
Everyone has a choice to make. The question by Pharaoh # 2 must be answered by everyone today - Just WHO is God in your life?
By our attitudes we will definitely face divine justice. Nobody fasten us up to God but by our willingness to follow Him.
Pride leads to great suffering; but humility leads to great reverence.
Good men are often harshly criticized by those like Pharaoh # 2 but honoured by those like Pharaoh # 1.
Your attitudes in life will lead either to the “BURNING BUSH” of dedication to God or the “BURNING BRIDGES” of profane life.
The question therefore is “WHICH HAVE YOU CHOSEN? Pharaoh # 1 or Pharaoh # 2?
BLESSINGS!
REV. IZUCHUKWU UWA
