As the Rebels attack the Death Star, an officer approaches Grand Moff Tarkin and tells him, “We’ve analyzed their attack, Sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by?”
A visibly irritated Tarkin replies, “Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!”
Tarkin’s arrogance would cost him dearly.
If he had heeded the officer’s advice and had his ship standing by, he might have escaped the destruction of the Death Star.
As it was, his pride led to his death.
Proverbs 16:18 is as accurate today as it was when it was written almost 2,500 years ago. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
2 Chronicles 1:7-12 records a conversation between God and Solomon. When told he could have anything he wanted (v.7), Solomon asked for “wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people” (v.10).
In verses 11-12, “God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.”
Solomon was humble enough to ask for wisdom and was granted great wealth as a result.
His wisdom was a gift from God and one that Solomon used well until his arrogance eventually caught up with him.
We need to remember always to remain humble and dependent on God.
