Definition: The term "over-elated" refers to an excessive state of joy or pride, often leading to a sense of self-exaltation or arrogance. In a biblical context, being over-elated can be seen as a spiritual pitfall, where one's heart is lifted up beyond what is appropriate, leading to potential sin or downfall.

Biblical Context and Examples:

1. Pride and Humility:
The Bible frequently warns against pride and the dangers of being over-elated. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the peril of becoming over-elated, as it often precedes a downfall. The Scriptures consistently advocate for humility as a virtue, contrasting it with the dangers of excessive pride.

2. Nebuchadnezzar's Pride:
A notable example of over-elation in the Bible is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In Daniel 4:30 , he boasts, "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His over-elation and pride led to his temporary downfall, as God humbled him by driving him away from human society until he acknowledged God's sovereignty.

3. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector:
In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus illustrates the danger of being over-elated in one's own righteousness. The Pharisee, over-elated by his perceived moral superiority, prays with pride, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus concludes that the humble tax collector, not the over-elated Pharisee, is justified before God.

4. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh:
The Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to prevent him from becoming over-elated due to the surpassing greatness of the revelations he received (2 Corinthians 12:7). This passage underscores the idea that God may allow challenges in one's life to maintain humility and reliance on Him, rather than becoming over-elated by personal achievements or spiritual experiences.

5. Warnings to the Rich:
The Bible also warns the wealthy against becoming over-elated due to their riches. In 1 Timothy 6:17 , Paul instructs Timothy to "command those who are rich in this present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This admonition serves as a reminder that over-elation in material wealth can lead to misplaced trust and spiritual peril.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, over-elation is often linked to the sin of pride, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition. It reflects a heart that is self-centered rather than God-centered, leading to a false sense of security and self-sufficiency. The Bible calls believers to cultivate humility, recognizing that all good things come from God and that human strength and wisdom are limited.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to guard against over-elation by practicing gratitude, humility, and dependence on God. Regular self-examination, prayer, and engagement with Scripture can help maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring that one's joy and confidence are rooted in God's grace rather than personal achievements or status.

Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee.
... Those who understand that it is God's will and wish to save every man that lives
upon the earth will not be overelated by a successful revival in some small ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxiii jesus makes a preaching.htm

The Means by which we Can Root Out Dejection from Our Hearts.
... ever joyful with an insight into things eternal and future, and continuing immovable,
we are not depressed by present accidents, or over-elated by prosperity ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xiii the means by.htm

Over-elated (1 Occurrence)
Over-elated. Over-driving, Over-elated. Overextending . Multi-Version
Concordance Over-elated (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians ...
/o/over-elated.htm - 6k

Grandeur (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/g/grandeur.htm - 7k

Impalement (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/i/impalement.htm - 7k

Elated (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/e/elated.htm - 7k

Dealing (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/d/dealing.htm - 17k

Stupendous (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/s/stupendous.htm - 7k

Satan's (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/s/satan's.htm - 8k

Agony (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/a/agony.htm - 18k

Blow (124 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/b/blow.htm - 42k

Judging (141 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 12:7 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore
lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony ...
/j/judging.htm - 39k

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