Daniel 5:20

But when his heart was lifted vp, and his minde hardened in pride: hee was deposed from his kingly throne, and they tooke his glory from him. Daniel 5:20 (KJV)

Context: Daniel 5 recounts the famous story of Belshazzar, the Babylonian king who held a great feast and used the gold and silver vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to praise his gods. During the feast, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall, which troubled the king and his guests. Daniel was called upon to interpret the writing, and he pronounced God’s judgment upon Belshazzar and the Babylonian Empire.

Recognizing Pride: In this passage Daniel addresses Belshazzar’s pride, noting that his heart was lifted up and his mind hardened in pride—a condition that the biblical narrative suggests led to his downfall. Pride is an excessive belief in one’s own abilities, leading to a sense of superiority and disregard for others. It can blind us to our faults, make us insensitive to God’s warning, and ultimately lead to our downfall.

The Consequences of Pride: Due to his pride, Belshazzar was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. The writing on the wall warned that Belshazzar would be removed from his throne and that his kingdom would be taken from him. True to the prophecy, that very night the kingdom fell to the Medes and Persians under Darius the Mede. The consequences of pride are severe, and throughout the Bible we see numerous examples of individuals brought low by their pride.

Humility and Reverence: The story of Belshazzar serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to cultivate humility and reverence towards God. Instead of boasting in our own achievements and exalting ourselves, we should acknowledge that every good thing we have comes from God. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Application to Our Lives: We should examine our own hearts and attitudes, guarding against the sin of pride. Pride can manifest in various ways, such as self‑centeredness, an unwillingness to listen to advice, and a lack of gratitude toward God and others. Developing humility requires recognizing our dependence on God and acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives.

Conclusion: The events recorded in Daniel 5 illustrate the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. They remind us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled by God. Let us learn from Belshazzar’s example and strive to cultivate a humble heart, recognizing God’s authority, and giving Him the glory He deserves.