As the Enemy of Israel, Ben Hadad, boasted about what he would do to Israel if they failed to surrender. The King of Israel answered in 1 Kings 20:11 by saying, “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off,” New International Version. Now a clearer translation is “The man who puts on his armor should not brag. It’s the man who lives to take it off who has the right to brag,” (New Century Version). But the Living Bible Paraphrase says, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Ahab was not known for being a wise king, but this is probably the best thing he ever said. It’s a good thing for us to remember as well as we look forward to the week lying ahead. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us of the same truth, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Another reminder might be from provers as well, “pride comes before a fall.” It sure did for Ben Hadad. The Lord intervened for Ahab and soundly defeated the Syrians.