Tuesday, October 3 “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride.​—1 Cor. 4:6.

[Áine]

Tuesday, October 3

“Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride.—1 Cor. 4:6.

 

Pride led King Uzziah of Judah to resist counsel and to act presumptuously. Uzziah was a very capable man. He was successful in military campaigns, in construction projects, and in agricultural developments. “The true God made him prosper.” (2 Chron. 26:3-7, 10) “However, as soon as he was strong, his heart became haughty to his own ruin,” the Bible says. Jehovah had earlier commanded that only the priests were allowed to offer incense at the temple. But King Uzziah presumptuously went into the temple to offer incense. Jehovah was not pleased and struck that proud man with leprosy. (2 Chron. 26:16-21) Could pride lead us into a snare like the one that caught Uzziah? Yes, it could, if we think too much of ourselves. Let us remember that any talents we have and any privileges we receive in the congregation are from Jehovah. (1 Cor. 4:7) If we are proud, Jehovah will not use us. w21.06 16 ¶7-8

[Dustparticle]

We need to keep ourselves in check at all times.

[LeslieDean]

Do not think so little of yourself that Jehovah can not use, but neither think so much of yourself that he won't use you.

[Esined]

From the account cited:

“So his fame spread far and wide, for he received tremendous help and he became strong.

16 However, as soon as he was strong, his heart became haughty to his own ruin”

 

Uzziah received “tremendous help” from Jehovah and from his army, but in his “strength” he forgot about this and made it all about him. It can be easy to feel good about our accomplishments and about times we have been strong, but if we stay relying on Jehovah we can keep humble and keep the right attitude.