II Chronicles 26:16
“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.”
King Uzziah started well. God blessed his reign, bringing success and prosperity to the people. He fortified the city, strengthened the army, and was known for his wisdom and leadership. Yet, despite all his accomplishments, Uzziah’s heart became proud, leading him to believe he could step into a role that wasn’t his. Thinking he could take on the duties of a priest, he entered the temple to burn incense—a task God had specifically assigned to the priests. This act of pride led to his downfall.
Pride can make us believe we’re capable of more than we are called to do. When pride blinds us, it leads to our undoing. In Uzziah’s story, we see three clear consequences of pride, each a warning to stay within the boundaries God has set for us.
1. Pride Causes You to Ignore Correction
II Chronicles 26:18-19a
“And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth…”
When King Uzziah was confronted by the priests, he reacted with anger. Instead of heeding their warning, he became defensive. Pride makes us deaf to correction. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Uzziah’s prideful response led him further down the path of destruction, ignoring wise counsel and pushing forward with his own will.
Proverbs 12:1, “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
A wise person listens to correction, but Uzziah’s pride made him foolish, ignoring the warnings meant to guide him back to safety.
2. Pride Causes You to Be Marked
II Chronicles 26:19
“…and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.”
God placed the leprosy on Uzziah’s forehead, a visible reminder of his pride and rebellion. Although pride begins in the heart, it doesn’t stay hidden for long. Eventually, pride reveals itself in our actions, attitudes, and even our expressions. What starts as a private thought of superiority shows up in the way we speak to others, in how we respond to correction, and in a visible arrogance that everyone around us can see. Pride leaves its mark on us—God sees it first, but it eventually becomes clear to others too.
Proverbs 8:13 – “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
When pride marks our hearts, it begins to show in an arrogant demeanor and a haughty attitude that others can sense and see. Uzziah’s leprosy served as a physical mark of his pride, a reminder that unchecked arrogance eventually becomes apparent to everyone around us.
3. Pride Causes You to Lose Fellowship
II Chronicles 26:21
“And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD…”
Because of his leprosy, Uzziah could never enter the house of the Lord again. His pride cost him the privilege of fellowship with God’s people in worship. Pride isolates us, cutting us off from the blessings of fellowship and worship. The greatest loss for Uzziah was not his crown but the ability to be in the presence of the Lord.
Psalm 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…”
Pride disqualifies us from drawing near to God. Uzziah’s unclean heart left him unfit for worship, a tragic end for a man who once sought the Lord’s favor.
Conclusion
King Uzziah’s story serves as a reminder that pride is a dangerous step outside our calling. When we assume we can handle roles God has given to others, we step into dangerous territory. Pride blinds us to correction, leaves a lasting mark, and ultimately separates us from fellowship with God. May we guard our hearts, stay humble, and walk within the calling God has given us.
