I Can't Even Keep Our Plants Watered

Two chapters in a row on pride. Chapter 5 of Daniel is about King Nebuchadnezzar's son King Belshazzar. He is having a party and decides to bring some golden vessels to the party to drink out of. These were the golden vessels that his father had taken from the temple when he besieged the city in chapter 1.

While the King was kickin' back, swillin' down some drink and praising the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone; a visible hand appears and inscribes something on the wall. None of the Kings men are able to interpret the writing. The queen remembers that there is a man named Daniel who will be able to help. The King calls Daniel before him and tells him that he will cloth him in classy garments, give him a gold necklace and make him third highest in the kingdom. Daniel says, "keep your gifts, this one is free of charge." And begins to preach faith and repentance to the King.

By their interaction, it doesn't seem like this King and Daniel had any kind of relationship at all. So when Daniel is brought before him and has the opportunity, he preaches against the sin of pride in the King, and faith toward God for forgiveness. Daniel gives the interpretation of the inscription to the King. The King clothes him even though Daniel didn't want any gifts. The King does not live to see another day. He is killed that very night.

It says in Daniel 5:23 but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. This my friend is what pride does. It is an attempt of ripping the Lord off of His throne, and seating yourself there instead. I remember a while ago I was talking with a woman who was complaining about the weather (it was a dreary day). I listened and replied that I was thankful that I was not in control of the weather. She said "really?" Like she couldn't believe that I actually thought  God was better at determining the weather that I could ever be.

James 4:6b says...God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.