How Pride Tears Families Apart | Judges 12:1

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to James Thorton from Gilbert, AZ.

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Our text today is Judges 12:1.

The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” — Judges 12:1

Fresh off a great victory against the Ammonites, Jephthah faced a new conflict—not with enemies outside, but with brothers inside Israel. The Ephraimites confronted him with jealousy and wounded pride, accusing him of leaving them out. Their anger burned so hot that they threatened to burn Jephthah’s house down. Seriously?!

This wasn’t an issue of principle—it was pride. Instead of focusing on God’s deliverance and celebrating that, Ephraim turned inward, making petty issues the main thing. And division within the family would now come at a high cost.

This story reminds us that one of the enemy’s oldest tricks is to turn God’s people against each other. When jealousy, comparison, and wounded pride take root, the church and family of God fight the wrong battles.

We’ve all seen it—church conflicts over secondary issues, friendships fractured by ego, ministries undermined by rivalry. When that happens, the mission stalls. Instead of fighting for God’s kingdom, we fight each other.

Pride will always find something to be offended about. Pride has a selfish and self-focused nature. But humility sees and celebrates God’s victories, even when we weren’t the ones in the spotlight. Godly strength isn’t found in competing with brothers and sisters in Christ—it’s found in uniting under the same Father. The Father of all mankind, and celebrating with those whom God chooses to use.

ASK THIS:

Where am I tempted to fight petty battles instead of focusing on God’s mission?
How do jealousy and pride show up in my relationships?
Do I celebrate God’s work in others—or resent when I’m not included?
DO THIS:
Today, choose unity over rivalry. Celebrate someone else’s success, thank God for their role in His kingdom, and resist the pull of petty battles.

PRAY THIS:
Father, protect me from jealousy and pride. Keep me from wasting energy fighting my brothers and sisters when You’ve called us to stand together. Give me a heart that celebrates Your victories—whoever You choose to use. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
“Same God.”