“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out.” (Ezekiel 31:10–11 ESV).
Ezekiel 31 belongs to a series of prophecies against Egypt. In this chapter, God compared Assyria to a magnificent cedar tree that towered above the other trees. Its height represented Assyria’s power and prosperity. Yet the very blessings God had given became the occasion for its pride. In verse 9, God declared that He had made the tree beautiful. But in verse 10, the tree became proud of its height. What God had graciously given, Assyria arrogantly claimed as its own greatness.
Assyria’s downfall to the Babylonians served as a warning to Pharaoh. Egypt resembled Assyria in greatness and pride and would eventually resemble it in judgment. For Egypt too would eventually suffer defeat at the hands of Babylon.
This passage teaches us three important lessons about pride:
1. Pride forgets the source of our blessings. Assyria’s greatness was real, but it was God-given. Pride began when Assyria took credit for what God had provided.
2. Pride corrupts the purpose of our blessings. What God had entrusted became an occasion for self-exaltation rather than gratitude and service.
3. Pride invites the judgment of God. The One who had made the cedar great also had the authority to bring it down.
As James 4:6 declares, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Yet Jesus Christ offers the ultimate contrast. While earthly rulers exalted themselves and were brought low, Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him (Phil. 2:5–11).
Pride takes credit for what God has given. Humility gives God the glory. May we never allow God’s blessings to become our boasting. Instead, let us boast in God.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we take credit for Your blessings. Keep our hearts humble and grateful. Help us follow the example of Jesus, giving You all the glory. In His name we pray, amen.