What does Nebuchadnezzar’s story teach us about pride?
1. Success
2. Pride claims to be the of something that is
3. Pride has
4. God’s mercy
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
• What’s a “trophy” (achievement, award, milestone) you’ve chased or
attained in your life? What did you expect it to bring you—and did it?
Refer to Daniel 4 and discuss:
• Read Daniel 4:4–5. How does Nebuchadnezzar describe his life
before the dream? Why is this significant?
• Why do you think success often fails to satisfy the human soul? Have
you ever reached a personal goal or milestone, only to find it didn’t
bring the peace or joy you hoped for?
• Read Daniel 4:30. What is the king claiming about his success? How
do you see that mindset in yourself or our culture?
• How does pride steal God’s glory?
• What were the consequences of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride? How did
they affect not just his position, but his humanity? How does pride
steal from us? What are warning signs that pride is creeping in?
• Read Daniel 4:34–37. What changes do you see in Nebuchadnezzar’s
heart and language? Why is “lifting our eyes to heaven” the turning
point? How has God’s mercy humbled and healed you in your own life?
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
• Name your pride. Where are you most tempted to say, “Look at what
I’ve done” instead of “Look at what God gave”? Confess it honestly
before God and someone you trust.
• Lay your trophies at Jesus’ feet—literally or symbolically. What would
it look like to surrender your success to Him?
• Receive grace. Reflect on how God has met you in your lowest
moments—not with condemnation, but with mercy. Take time
throughout the week to express your gratitude to Him.