“Any arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents
the Lord your God must die. In this way you will purge the evil from Israel.
Then everyone else will hear about it and be afraid to act so arrogantly.”
Deuteronomy 17:12-13
Wow…what a price to pay for arrogance! Evidently that word kept catching my attention because I found three different journal entries over the years about arrogance. I was especially appalled to see that God called that kind of attitude evil.
Understanding the background of these verses may show us why arrogance is so dangerous. Moses was describing what the Israelites were to do with difficult lawsuits involving serious issues like assault or murder. The priest or judge would hear the case at the Tabernacle and decide the verdict. So, those decisions would be made in the Lord’s presence, on behalf of God Himself.
Therefore, if an individual rejected the verdict, they showed contempt for GOD. Their arrogance would indicate they proudly assumed they knew more than God knew! How could such a conceited, egotistical person stand in the presence of Almighty God, King of the Universe?
No wonder the consequence was death! And, I have a feeling that arrogance still causes death today. If I constantly strive to promote me…arrogance kills peace. If I put me first…arrogance kills joy. If I listen to nobody but me…arrogance kills wisdom. And sadly, if I love only me, arrogance kills love for other people.
What a way to die…a slow suicide…full of myself…and all by myself!
