2. To be thankful for that fidelity that strives to put them on their guard against it —
[Nebuchadnezzar, though he did not reform his life, was not angry with Daniel for interpreting to him faithfully the vision he had seen. This is not always the case, especially when the sin of pride is pointed out : we are then in danger of being accounted " enemies for telling men the truth." But " let our counsel be acceptable unto you." We are constrained to " speak God's word faithfully," even if we were speaking to the greatest monarchs upon earth. Let none then, of what- ever rank or class, be offended. Indeed, to take offence at a faithful ministration of the word, would prove the very point which it was a man's object to deny, namely, that he was under the dominion of pride. The humble will be thankful for every hint that can be afforded them for the discovery of their most secret sins, because they will be led thereby to a deeper humi- liation before God, and to a more simple affiance in the Lord Jesus Christ.]
3. To humble themselves for it as Nebuchadnezzar did—
[Nebuchadnezzar not only wrote this whole account, but circulated it throughout the whole extent of his dominions. He thought he could never take shame enough to himself for all his former pride ! What a glorious evidence was this of the transforming efficacy of Divine grace ! It is no easy matter for any man to acknowledge and confess his pride : but to con- fess it openly, to take shame to himself for it publicly before all, this is a work of grace indeed ! and it is the true and proper operation of grace upon the soul. We do not mean that it is necessary to publish our sins to all the world ; but it is necessary to confess our faults unto those who have been more particularly affected by them. At all events, we must make confession before our God ; for on that depends our pre- sent and everlasting acceptance with him : it is impossible, " if we harden ourselves against him, to prosper:" yea, " we shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." " Whoso exalte th himself shall be abased ; but he that humble th him- self shall be exalted."]