Old Testament
2 Kings 14:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, the king has just achieved a victory over Edom, which has made him feel proud and powerful.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Yes, you have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Take glory in this and stay at home. Why should you meddle and bring harm upon yourself, causing both you and Judah to fall?
Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the king has just achieved a victory over Edom, which has made him feel proud and powerful. However, a warning is given: while it’s good to celebrate victories, it’s important to know when to stop. The advice is clear: enjoy your success, but don’t let it lead you to take unnecessary risks. The king is urged to stay home and avoid meddling in affairs that could lead to trouble. This is a reminder that overconfidence can lead to downfall, not just for oneself but for others as well. The message is about understanding the limits of one’s power and the importance of humility. It’s a call to recognize that sometimes, the best choice is to step back and avoid conflict, especially when it could harm those you care about. Reflecting on this can help us navigate our own successes and challenges with wisdom and caution, ensuring we don’t let pride lead us astray or put others at risk due to our actions or decisions. It’s about balance and awareness in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Kings 14:10 to your life
In our lives, we should celebrate our achievements but remain humble. Recognize when to step back and avoid unnecessary conflicts. This can protect not only ourselves but also those around us. Staying grounded helps us make better decisions and maintain healthy relationships. Remember, pride can lead to downfall if unchecked. “Stay humble.” “Know your limits.” “Protect your loved ones.” “Choose wisely.” “Celebrate, but don’t overreach.”
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Kings 14:10 mean?
This verse highlights the danger of pride after a victory. It advises the king to celebrate his success over Edom but warns him against taking unnecessary risks that could lead to his downfall and harm Judah.
What is the warning in 2 Kings 14:10?
The warning in this verse is to avoid overconfidence and meddling in conflicts that could bring harm. It emphasizes the importance of knowing when to step back and not let pride lead to reckless decisions.
How does 2 Kings 14:10 relate to pride?
The verse illustrates how pride can arise from success, but it cautions against letting that pride lead to dangerous actions. It teaches that humility is essential to avoid negative consequences.
What lesson can we learn from 2 Kings 14:10?
The lesson from this verse is to celebrate achievements while remaining humble and cautious. It encourages us to recognize our limits and protect ourselves and others from the risks of overreach.

The Book of 2 Kings
2 Kings 1: Elijah’s Final Prophecy
The book of 2 Kings opens with the reign of Ahaziah, Ahab’s son and successor, who continues his father’s wicked ways. After falling through a lattice in his upper chamber, Ahaziah is seriously injured. Instead of inquiring of the Lord of Israel, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he will recover. The prophet Elijah is sent by an angel to intercept the messengers. He confronts them with the question, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” and delivers a message of judgment: Ahaziah will not recover but will surely die.
Unlock the full 2 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 2 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 25 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 2 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.