Leaders can take on a dangerous kind of pride when they accept credit for what God is doing. Read Ezekiel 31:1-18.

Ezekiel tells us that on June 21, 587 BC God asked him to write His words about the upcoming fall from power of Egypt. Ezekiel used an allegory comparing Egypt to a cedar tree that had grown more massive (powerful) than all other trees (nations) because it was nourished by the rich soil along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. They were being judged and would fall from power because the Pharaoh took credit for their lofty position and in his pride usurped God’s glory. Egypt was handed over to Babylon who is described in verse 12 as “…the most ruthless of foreign nations.”

Sometimes the most God-honoring leadership skill is a closed mouth. Read Isaiah 39:1-8.

King Hezekiah of Judah had miraculously recovered from a life-threatening illness. The Babylonian King sent envoys with letters and a gift because he had heard of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. The Babylonians were a budding world power and their constant challenge to the Assyrian Empire, Hezekiah’s arch enemy, pleased Hezekiah. In a moment of personal and national pride, Hezekiah decided to impress the Babylonian envoys, a potential military ally, and showed them the wealth and military arsenals of Judah. The prophet Isaiah was sent by God to rebuke Hezekiah because he couldn’t resist boasting about his success.