Definition: Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 4:37. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a king's pride and the consequences of it. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Daniel is a royal advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful ruler in Babylon, and Daniel was trusted with important information and advice. Nebuchadnezzar makes Daniel a prisoner. He decides to put Daniel in a special and uncomfortable situation – he’s given a golden statue! This is a sign of extreme pride and arrogance on Nebuchadnezzar's part. Nebuchadnezzar tells Daniel to praise him and extol his goodness. He wants to make Daniel feel important and admired. What the Verse Says (in simpler terms): “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” "Nebuchadnezzar praises and extolls..." – This means Nebuchadnezzar is showing immense respect and admiration for Daniel. He’s making Daniel a central figure and deserving of great praise. "...the King of heaven..." - This isn't literally about the God himself, but it suggests that Nebuchadnezzar believes Daniel has been blessed by God with a special spiritual status. "...all whose works are truth" – This is the key part. Nebuchadnezzar is saying that only those who live in integrity and do what's right will be able to withstand his power and influence. He believes that true righteousness (doing good and honest) will always prevail over pride and wickedness. "...and his ways judgment" – This means Nebuchadnezzar is expecting Daniel to demonstrate a very specific kind of behavior – one that shows his seriousness about truth and justice. "...and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." - This is the scary part! If someone is proud (walking in pride) and doesn't follow God’s laws, Nebuchadnezzar can use his power – even a golden statue – to bring them down. The Big Message: The verse warns us about the dangers of pride and arrogance. It’s not enough to simply think you’re good or righteous; you must live it in your actions. Pride leads to being controlled by others, and that kind of control is often oppressive. In short, Daniel's pride caused him to be brought low by Nebuchadnezzar, a reminder that true worth comes from living a life of integrity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like its connection to other stories)?