“PRIDE COMES BEFORE THE FALL”
(2 Kings 15:1–7; 2 Chronicles 26; Isaiah 6:1–6; Amos 1–2)
“But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.” — 2 Chronicles 26:16
Simple Truth:
God blesses the humble, but pride leads to pain and distance from Him.
King Uzziah started out strong. He sought God, listened to the prophet Zechariah, and God gave him great success (2 Chronicles 26:5). Uzziah built cities, won battles, and became powerful. But when he became strong, he also became proud.
In pride, Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense—something only priests were allowed to do. When the priests tried to stop him, he got angry. Right then, God struck him with leprosy, and he remained a leper until his death. He had to live alone and could no longer go into the temple.
While Uzziah was still king but suffering from leprosy, the prophet Isaiah had a vision of God’s glory in the temple (Isaiah 6:1). Amos also preached during this time, warning the people of Israel and Judah about their pride, sins, and injustice (Amos 1–2). Even though the king and the people looked successful on the outside, their hearts were turning away from God.
Uzziah’s life reminds us to stay humble. Success without humility can lead us away from God. But Jesus, the true King, showed us perfect humility. He gave up glory to serve and save us. When we follow His example, we walk in God’s favor.
Reflections:
- Uzziah started with God but let pride grow. Pride often sneaks in when we feel strong and forget who gave us that strength.
- God wants obedience more than success. Going our own way—even in worship—can lead to separation from Him.
- Jesus is our humble King. He obeyed God fully and teaches us to serve, not to seek glory.
Application:
Check your heart today. Are there areas where pride has crept in—your work, your gifts, or your decisions? Ask God for a heart like Jesus—humble, teachable, and obedient. Don’t let success lead you away from the One who gave it to you.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the reminder that pride can lead me away from You. Help me to stay humble, even when things are going well. Thank You for Jesus, who showed true humility and perfect obedience. Teach me to walk in His ways and depend on You every step of the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
About our Author
Albert Rosado was born in the faith after his mother gave her life to Christ while expecting. At the tender age of 12, he made a personal commitment to Christ, which has been the cornerstone of his spiritual journey. Over the past 30 years, Albert has dedicated his life to serving God and others through various ministries such as Sunday School Education, Royal Rangers Ministries, Student Ministries and Church Deacon…
Read More
READ MORE
May 19 – Reading 139
MAY 19 - Reading 139by Vanessa Abrisqueta | May 19“A HERITAGE OF PRAISE: PASSIING DOWN WORSHIP THROUGH GENERATIONS”(Psalms 81:1-16; 82:1-8; 83:1-18) "Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre...
May 18 – Reading 138
MAY 18 - Reading 138by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | May 18“RESTORE US”(Psalm 78:1-72; 80:1-19) “Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we may be saved!” — Psalm 80:3 (also repeated in vv. 7 and 19) The years 1992 and 1993 were the most pivotal years of my...
May 17 – Reading 137
MAY 17 - Reading 137by Tim Satryan | May 17“RED OR BLUE; RIGHT OR LEFT”(Psalms 75:1-10; 76:1-12; 77:1-20; 79:1-13) “For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— can raise another person up.” – Psalm 75:6 I’m no longer a “young man”… I have lived...