2 Chronicles 26:16–18 (NIV) But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in. They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.””

Uzziah repeated the same sin his grandfather committed nearly two hundred years earlier. He began well—humble, dependent, and blessed—but as his influence and success grew, so did his pride. The man who once sought God’s strength began to trust his own.

Pride always follows power when we forget who gave it. It blinds us to boundaries, deceives us into thinking we can do what only belongs to God. Uzziah crossed that line—he entered the temple to perform a duty reserved for the priests. His success had become sin.

Unlike his grandfather Rehoboam, Uzziah was not surrounded by flatterers but by courageous priests—men who loved God more than they feared the king. They risked everything to confront him, saying, “It is not right for you, Uzziah.”

When the powerful sin, the righteous must be brave enough to speak truth. God punished Uzziah with leprosy, isolating him for the rest of his life—a mercy that stopped him from doing even greater damage.

Two men are portrayed in this story

• One became proud and disobedient.

• The other stood courageous and confronted sin.

Every man must choose which one he will become.
Power tempts us to demand our own way. Righteousness compels us to confront what is wrong—no matter the cost.

If you see sin—in your life or another’s—stand and speak truth in love.

The rewards of earth fade fast, but the honor of heaven endures forever.

You can be rewarded for success here, or for faithfulness there.
Decide today: Where do you want to live the wealthiest—on earth or in eternity?

Run Today’s Play: Don’t let success make you forget your place before God. Stay humble. Stay faithful.