A Lesson From Herod

Pride is the very “attribute” that can stand in the way of our lives having room for God—His grace and mercy cannot take root and grow where pride dominates. Psalm 10:4 warns us plainly: “In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” When pride is left unaddressed, it manipulates us and leads us into actions we never thought ourselves capable of.

This destructive pattern shows up vividly in Herod’s story in Matthew 14:1–12. Consumed by pride, Herod abuses his authority and imprisons John the Baptist without any right or true reason. Pride blinded Herod to wisdom and manipulated him away from truth. Later, during a lavish birthday party, Herod is pleased by a young dancer and pride pushes him to make a careless promise without considering its consequences. She asks for the head of John the Baptist.

Though Herod is deeply distressed by the request (Matthew 14:9), his pride—fueled by fear of losing face before his guests—leads him to carry out an act he knows is wrong. Pride, left unchecked, will manipulate us away from truth, away from what is right, and ultimately choke out the presence of God.

A Prayer of Surrender

Dear Lord, there are areas in my life where pride is choking Your presence from growing in and through me. May Your Holy Spirit and Your Word make me deeply aware of these places—not to shame me, but to free me. Help me to confront pride with humility, and make room for Your Spirit to take root and flourish in every part of my life.