Pride

"And you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven." -- Daniel 5:22-23a 

The events that occurred in the life of Nebuchadnezzar were well known throughout the kingdom. His son, Belshazzar was quite aware and was finally held accountable for his knowledge. The lives of others serve as signposts on the road of life, but they are only as valuable as they are heeded.

The son saw the hand of God fall upon his father and still ignored the possibility of that same hand falling upon him. Not only didn't Belshazzar humble his heart, but he also lifted himself against the Lord. Pride will lead one far from God and to eventual destruction as in verse 30, "That very night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was killed."

What have you learned from the lives of others my friend? Yes, there are some that have given you positive examples to follow, but there have also been those who served as warnings. When it comes to pride, be wise and heed the signposts and Scriptures that say in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."