Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, along with Daniel, were found ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in the Babylonian realm, regarding matters of wisdom and understanding. (Daniel 1:20) Needless to say, these men were valuable to the king. After being told that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego failed to bow before his golden image, the king flew into a fit of rage. However, rather than making an example of them, they were given another opportunity. Had it been those less valuable to the king who were guilty, perhaps he would have immediately given the order to execute. But these men, who had proven themselves superior in wisdom and understanding would be a significant loss to the king. Although given another opportunity to comply and avoid the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow. Upon hearing their response, the expression on the king’s face changed. (Daniel 3:19) Keeping in mind the great value they were to him; he was initially disposed to favor them. However, upon hearing their answer, the ole buddy approach quickly transformed into an angered tyrant response, driven by pride. Filled with rage, Nebuchadnezzar had the heat in the furnace intensified by seven and ordered the three be bound and thrown in fully clothed. Intent on preserving his reputation, the king, as he often did, allowed his emotions to guide him.
Anger often causes us to act in haste. Nebuchadnezzar’s one-dimensional thought was to make an example out of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Determined to prove his point, he did not wait for the flames of the furnace to burn down but ordered that they be thrown in immediately! His pride driven anger led him to act without consideration of his mighty men of valor, who were killed by the flames. (Daniel 3:22-23)
Although the account ends with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being saved from the furnace of fire, the toxic effects of pride are evident. The king was willing to sacrifice three men who were ten times better in wisdom and understanding than all the magicians and wise men in his kingdom. In his attempt to do so, he inadvertently sacrificed some of his strongest soldiers.
Selfish pride leads to an angered response. An angered response, results in actions of haste. Actions of haste, causes us to sacrifice things of great value. All of the above, leads to losses we never planned for.
Prospering Pathway 
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