“His fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.” II Chronicles 26:15 Uzziah, king of Judah, for many years sought the Lord. While he did, God gave him great success.  But things changed when “his fame spread far and wide”. Uzziah entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar, openly defying God’s law. Perhaps pride convinced him that God’s rules applied to everyone except him.  When Uzziah raged against the priests who told him this was not right, the Lord struck him with leprosy.  In literature and in life, how often we see a person of good reputation fall from honor into disgrace and suffering.  The only way we can prevent the nectar of praise from becoming the poison of pride is by following the Lord with a humble heart.  The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.