It is not surprising that the successful monarch, so ambitious and so proud-spirited, should be tempted to turn aside from the path of humility, which alone leads to true greatness. In the intervals between his wars of conquest he gave much thought to the strengthening and beautifying of his capital, until at length the city of Babylon became the chief glory of his kingdom, "the golden city," "the praise of the whole earth." His passion as a builder, and his signal success in making Babylon one of the wonders of the world, ministered to his pride, until he was in grave danger of spoiling his record as a wise ruler whom God could continue to use as an instrument for the carrying out of the divine purpose.

Det kan ikke overraske, at denne fremgangsrige monark, der var så ærgerrig og stolt, blev fristet til at forlade ydmyghedens vej, - den eneste vej, som fører til sand storhed. Imellem erobringskrigene lå det ham meget på sinde at befæste, og forskønne sin hovedstad, og til sidst blev byen Babylon rigets krone, "al jordens stolthed". Hans brændende interesse for at bygge og den succes, der ledsagede hans bestræbelser for at gøre Babylon til et af verdens underværker, gav hans stolthed næring. Til sidst stod han i fare for at miste sit ry som en viis konge, som Gud kunne bruge til at gennemføre sine planer.