What is pride?
- It can be seen as reasonable self-esteem or confidence and satisfaction in oneself. In other words, self-respect.
- Another positive trait of pride can be a pleasure that comes from some relationship, association, achievement, or possession that is seen as a source of honor, respect, etc.
- But when it turns into exaggerated self-esteem or conceit, pride is definitely negative.
What is humility?
- Merriam-Webster.com defines humility as freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble.
- The opposite of the negative definition of pride.
What are consequences?
Today’s study looks at an example of pride, humility, and the consequences of both in the life of Hezekiah.
Pride, Humility, and Consequences
A Study of 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 | The Passage Questions
24 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign.[i]
How did Hezekiah deal with his illness?
What did God do?
25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem.[ii]
How did Hezekiah stumble?
What were the consequences of Hezekiah’s pride?
Who all did Hezekiah’s pride impact?
26 But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. [iii]
Why did God withdraw his wrath?
27 And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; 28 storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. 29 He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions.[iv]
Who gave Hezekiah these items?
30 This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart. [v]
Why did God allow Hezekiah to prosper?
How did the success from God contribute to Hezekiah’s pride?
Write out the specific consequence of Hezekiah’s pride from 2 Kings 20:16-18.
What was Hezekiah’s response to the consequences? (See 2 Kings 20:19)
Did Hezekiah understand the consequence? Why or why not?
32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the upper part of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honor at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his place. [vi]
How was Hezekiah honored after he died?
What is the value of being told both the failings and successes of Hezekiah?
Describe what you learned about God’s character from this study.
Pride, Humility, and Consequences
A Study of 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 | Application Questions
Hezekiah is not the only person in the Bible that God tested.
Consider the following verses:
22 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”[vii]
20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”[viii]
16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. [ix]
Based on today’s passage and the above verses, why does God allow both trials and success in our circumstances?
How do you typically handle times of success in your own circumstances?
When in a time of trial, who or what do you turn to first? Why?
What is the lesson from today’s passage that we need to keep in mind?
Pride, Humility, and Consequences
A Study of 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 | A Psalm of Praise and a Prayer Response
Great Are the Lord’s Works
111 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever! [x]
Heavenly Father, you alone are worthy and just. Open our minds, eyes, and hearts to see your kingdom at work in our lives. Thank you for providing everything we need each day. Forgive us when we fail to acknowledge You are the one who blesses us with success and the one who tests us to see whether we will remain faithful to You alone. Enable us to forgive those who have harmed us. Lead us away from the temptation of conceitful pride in any area of our lives. May we be humble before you and bring encouragement from you in the way we live our lives so that others will see your amazing grace and love through your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Leave a praise or prayer in the comments below to encourage others who find this post.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:24.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:25.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:26.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:27–29.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:30–31.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Ch 32:32–33.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 22:1–2.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ex 20:20.
[ix] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Dt 8:15–18.
[x] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 111:1–10.