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.”

There’s a great prayer in the Navy Chaplain’s Handbook that was used during World War II: “Eternal God, Who commits to us the swift and solemn trust of life; since we know not what a day may bring forth, but only that the hour of serving You is always present, may we be alert to the instant claims of Your holy will. Consecrate with Your presence the way our feet may go; and lift us above unrighteous anger and mistrust into faith and hope and love. In all things draw us to the mind of Christ, that Your lost image may be traced again in us, to the glory of Your holy name. Amen.”

Another reminder might be from proverbs as well, “pride comes before a fall.” It sure did for Ben Hadad. The Lord intervened for Ahab and Israel soundly defeated the Syrians.

May God intervene for you today!

Chuck
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill you lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” Colossians 3:16