King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream came true twelve months after. He trusted in his own power and might. He was very proud of his accomplishments that he forgot to recognize God and thank Him.

“The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty.'” v. 30

While King Nebuchadnezzar was still speaking, he heard a voice from heaven saying that the kingdom has departed from him. His dream was fulfilled and he became a bird. He then realized that God is the most powerful in heaven and on earth. He praised and honored the Lord. He blessed God and his understanding and reason returned to him.

“For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?'” v. 34b-35

“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.” v. 37

God is able to put down the proud–those who trust in their own abilities and forget to give glory to God who gives us the strength to do things.

“All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven…” v. 35

God does not regard people according to their achievements. God does not look at how high someone has climbed in the corporate ladder or in his/her chosen career. He does not look at how much we have in the bank. He does not look at our IQ. He does not look at our physical appearance. God cares more about our heart. He sees who or what we worship deep down in our heart. He sees who truly worships Him in spirit.

We cannot boast about anything to God. Even if we say that we achieved something because of hard work, intelligence, good looks, etc., still, we wouldn’t be able to do anything if God did not wake us up today, if God did not give us another chance today, to do things.

When we think that whatever we achieve, or whatever gives us glory in the eyes of men, is because of our own strength and power, we are being prideful, and God is opposed to the proud.

When there is no recognition of God in our life, we may enjoy and glory in our achievements but that enjoyment and glory only stays on earth. It has no eternal value.

The world’s definition of success is different from God’s definition. Success in God’s eyes is knowing, fearing, loving, trusting, and obeying Him.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

The same thing happened to King Nebuchadnezzar’s son, Belshazzar. He knew what happened to his father when his heart was lifted up, but he did not humble himself. He commanded to bring the gold and silver vessels from the temple of God for them to use. Then “they praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone” (ch. 5 v. 4).

“And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven.” ch. 5 v. 23

He did not praise the God of heaven and instead praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which have no power because they do not see or hear or know.

“And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” ch. 5 v. 23

As a result, that very night Daniel gave him the interpretation of the writing on the wall, he was slain.