“You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” (2 Kings 14:10 ESV).
After King Amaziah of Judah defeated Edom, he became proud and sought to challenge King Jehoash of Israel. Though Jehoash warned him with a parable, comparing Amaziah to a thistle confronting a cedar, Amaziah refused to listen. His heart was lifted up by victory, and he provoked a battle he could not win. According to 2 Chronicles 25, Amaziah’s downfall was not only due to pride but also because he had turned to the gods of Edom after his victory. Despite being rebuked by a prophet, he persisted in his folly. As a result, God gave him into the hands of Jehoash. The warning in 2 Kings 14:10 shows that Amaziah’s pride led to destruction, not just for himself, but for Judah as well. His story stands as a clear reminder that past success does not guarantee future blessing, especially when the heart turns from God.
We must be careful how we respond to success. Like Amaziah, we may start well but stumble when we let victory feed our vanity. When God gives us a win, in ministry, career, family, or any area, we should return thanks to Him, not take credit for ourselves. Pride can blind us to wise counsel and provoke unnecessary conflict. Let us stay humble in success, recognizing that every triumph is from the Lord. We must examine our hearts regularly to ensure that we are not lifting ourselves up, but glorifying God. May we learn from Amaziah’s failure and walk in humble dependence on the Lord.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we take credit for what You have done. Teach us to walk humbly, giving You all the glory. Guard us from making foolish decisions that come from an inflated view of ourselves. Help us to seek Your counsel and obey Your Word, especially when things are going well. May we never forget that apart from You, we can do nothing. Keep us close to You, both in victory and in trial. In Jesus’ name, amen.