Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18:5-12 KJV
- 1 Samuel 18:12 KJV
Pride is a dangerous force that can destroy relationships and lead to division, envy, and strife. Its venomous touch can turn admiration into envy, friendship into rivalry, and loyalty into betrayal. The Bible offers numerous examples of the destructive nature of pride, including the tragic story of King Saul.
Saul, chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, started his reign with promise and potential. Yet, as power settled upon his shoulders, so did the seeds of pride. His initial humility was replaced by arrogance, and his fear of losing control consumed him.
David, a young shepherd boy anointed by Samuel to be Saul's successor, entered Saul's court as a musician. His bravery in facing Goliath and his victories in battle earned him favor among the people, but also ignited Saul's jealousy.
When David and Saul returned from the slaughtering the Philistines, the women cheered them as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:8-9 (KJV), "And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward."
Saul’s pride was already beginning to creep in, as he sought to take credit for the victory over the Philistines. This passage describes how Saul became jealous of David's success and he also began to fear that David would take the kingdom from him. He asked God for guidance, but God remained silent. This silence was a warning sign that Saul’s heart was not in the right place.
King Saul's pride led to his desire to kill David, as he became consumed with jealousy and resentment towards the young shepherd who had been anointed by God to be the next king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (KJV), we read, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice." This incident shows how pride can lead to violence and destruction.
In 1 Samuel 24:8, we read, “David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. ” David’s words were a plea for Saul to see the error of his ways and to repent. But Saul’s pride was too great, and he refused to listen. His pride had destroyed his relationship with David, and ultimately, with God.
Pride is a dangerous sin that can destroy relationships. Saul's pride blinded him to the goodness and humility of David, causing him to view the young man as a threat to his power and authority. As a result, Saul became consumed with envy and hatred. Saul’s anger and jealousy consumed him, leading him to make foolish decisions. He became paranoid and suspicious, always looking for ways to eliminate David. His pride had become so great that he could not see the truth about himself or his relationship with God.
Jealously turns into hatred!
