In the attitude and action of the King of Syria we have an illustration of the course and consequence of pride (1Ki 20:10).
1. The demand of pride (1Ki 20:1-6). Pride is always overreaching in its claims, selfish in its requests, and cruel in its commands.
2. The boast of pride (1Ki 20:10). Pride never uses a small i, but always the capital I. What a lot of "I" there was in the Pharisee's prayer!
3. The recklessness of pride (1Ki 20:12). Pride ever seeks to "enjoy itself," although danger may be near. Nero played his fiddle while Rome was burning.
4. The enemy of pride (1Ki 20:13-15). God hates pride; it is an abomination to Him.
5. The pastime of pride (1Ki 20:16). Ben-hadad was drinking when he should have been on the alert. What an illustration of those who are drunken with self-conceit and arrogance. "This one thing I do," is their cry: "I seek to find satisfaction in what the world offers."
6. The assumption of pride (1Ki 20:18). The King of Syria took it for granted that he would take captive those who had come out from Israel; so the sinner thinks his plans will be sure to succeed, till they are exploded; then he discovers his folly.
7. The overthrow of pride (1Ki 20:19-21). Destruction is the result of pride (Pro 16:18). Pride is the forerunner of destruction. It was so in the case of Korah, when he in his pride coveted the priesthood (Num 16).
8. The persistence of pride (1Ki 20:22-27). Although defeated, Ben-hadad returns to his former course. How like one, who, although he has had to smart for his action, still seeks to follow his former course of conduct.
9. The punishment of pride (1Ki 20:27-30). The sinner can no more escape the punishment that his sin deserves, than the moth can escape being burnt by coming in contact with the lighted candle.