Pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ” Daniel Chapter 4

What Happens? �Nebuchadnezzar has a second dream (v 5) �Daniel was again able to interpret the dream when no other wise men could (v 8, 19 -23) �Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar to repent and be kind to the oppressed so that he may remain prosperous (v 27) �Instead, Nebuchadnezzar is prideful and the prophecy of the dream is fulfilled; he loses his kingdom and becomes like a beast (v 30 -32) �He is restored to his kingdom when he acknowledges God (v 36 -37)

The Great Tree 4: 20 -21

The Messenger 4: 23

The Moment of Pride 4: 30

The Fall of Nebuchadnezzar 4: 33

El Elyon �El Elyon; “The Most High” is a title used in this chapter for God �In what ways is He the “Most High”? He set the boundaries and gave the nations their inheritance (Deut 32: 8) He is the great king over earth (Psalm 47: 1 -2) He accomplishes all things for us (Psalm 57: 2) He saved His servants (Dan 3: 26) He is the ruler of the realm of mankind (Dan 4: 17) �Why is this an important title of God?

The Dilemma of Pride �Proverbs 16: 18 says: ”Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”. �Romans 1: 18 -32 also shows what happens in the cycle of pride vs. acknowledgement of God �Isaiah 14: 12 -15 has the “I will” statements of Lucifer. �Matthew 23: 12 says: “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted”.

What are the remedies for pride? � 2 Chronicles 7: 14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. �Philippians 2: 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

What’s so bad about pride? �Have you ever been too prideful? What was the result? �How can pride affect your: Walk with the Lord? Attitude towards others? Attitude towards your boss? Your spouse?

Group Discussion �Read the parable of “The Rich Fool” in Luke 12: 13 -21 What is the pride of this parable? How can we be “rich towards God”? �Read Proverbs 6: 16 -19 What are 7 things that are detestable to the Lord? How do they relate to the acknowledgement of God? Do they relate to any current events? How?