Read Time:5 Minute, 31 Second

By William Van Zyl

Published on November 8, 2025

You will not believe the parallels between a dragon and a proud and haughty person. I list the features of the dragon for you, and I then draw in-depth parallels between the dragon and proud people. The haughty think they are untouchable, just like Leviathan. I share my thoughts on the passage I read yesterday (Nov 7, 2025) with you.

Job 41 declares about Leviathan:

“He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.” — Job 41:34 (KJV)

In the book of Job, God describes one of the most fearsome creatures ever spoken of — Leviathan, a monstrous sea dragon clothed in impenetrable armour, breathing fire, and ruling over all that is proud. Through this vivid description, God reveals more than just the nature of a creature; He exposes the nature of pride itself.

Like Leviathan, the proud man or woman clothes themselves in layers of self-sufficiency; their armour is their ego — plates of self-importance sealed so tightly that no word of correction, no counsel of wisdom, and no rebuke of truth can pierce it.

1. Armoured and Invulnerable

“His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.” — Job 41:15–16

Leviathan’s armour is described as flawless — every scale perfectly sealed. Likewise, a proud person often appears invulnerable, untouched by criticism, unwilling to admit wrong. Their “scales” are layers of self-protection: arrogance, denial, and justification. Nothing penetrates — not humility, not compassion, not even conviction.

But what good is armour when it imprisons the soul? Pride, like Leviathan’s scales, traps the heart behind walls so thick that no breath of the Spirit can enter.

2. Fiery Breath

“Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out.” — Job 41:19

The proud person’s words are often sharp, defensive, or fiery. Pride burns bridges and scorches relationships. Leviathan’s breath sets coals ablaze; the proud one’s tongue kindles strife.
Yet, behind the smoke and flame is fear — the fear of being seen as weak, the terror of surrender. The proud hide behind their fury because humility feels like drowning.

3. Ferocious and Fearsome

“In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.” — Job 41:22

Leviathan moves through the waters like a king. Nothing shakes him. Likewise, the proud carry themselves with false strength — they seem composed, confident, even untouchable.
But their power is an illusion. When tested by life’s storms, when God allows the waves to rise, the proud soon find their foundation built on shifting sand. The meek, however, anchored in faith, endure.

4. Uncontrollable

“Canst Thou draw out Leviathan with a hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?” — Job 41:1

God asks Job: Can you control such a creature?
The answer is clear — only God can.

So it is with pride. No human hand can tame it. No self-help strategy can subdue it. Pride bows only to the mighty hand of God. It is when we stop wrestling for control — when we surrender our will — that the battle is won.

5. King Over All the Proud

“He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.” — Job 41:34

Leviathan looks down upon all who are lofty — a mirror of the proud who see themselves above others. Pride seeks thrones, titles, and attention. It demands to be seen and refuses to kneel.
But before God, such pride is folly. The Lord resists the proud, yet gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

The way up in God’s kingdom is down — on our knees, in repentance, in surrender.

How to Humble Oneself Before God

Acknowledge God’s greatness.
Reflect on His power and majesty as Job did. The more we see of Him, the less we think of ourselves.
Confess pride honestly.
Admit it — name it — and lay it at the feet of Christ. Pride loses power when exposed to light.
Practice gratitude daily.
Pride says, “I earned this.” Humility says, “God gave this.” A thankful heart cannot remain proud.
Serve others quietly.
The humble serve without applause. Jesus washed feet — the King became a servant. Follow His example.
Stay teachable.
A humble person listens. They allow correction. They let the Spirit and others speak into their life.

A Longer Prayer for Humility

Heavenly Father,

I am grateful for all the things I have —more than enough to make a living and to be at peace. Thank you for my health, my family and my friends,

You alone are mighty and worthy of all praise. Like Job, I stand in awe before Your greatness.

I want to repent of the pride and the haughtiness that are in my heart. I want You, God, to sit on the throne of my heart—less of me and more of You in my life.

Please break the armour of pride around my heart. Teach me to walk humbly, to listen before speaking, and to serve before seeking.

May the fire of my words be replaced with gentleness, and may my strength be found in surrender.

Let me remember that I am vulnerable, You can humble me at any time, You can destroy me because you know my soft and vulnerable underbelly. I am a mere human—a mortal.

Deliver me from the spirit of Leviathan — the pride that blinds and hardens — and clothe me in the meekness of Christ. Break the spirit of pride and haughtiness off my life, in Jesus’ Name.

Bless Your Name forever and ever,

Amen.

I include a reflection:
The proud may appear powerful, but it is the humble who are truly strong. Leviathan ruled the sea — but God ruled over Leviathan. Likewise, pride may rule the heart for a time, but only God can bring lasting peace to the soul that yields to Him.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV)