In Judges 9 we see the picture of a man in Abimilech that promotes himself, and lives a life to get all that his flesh desires. In contrast we see the trust in the Lord in Jotham, and the grace of God through Tola and Jair to save Israel from themselves.
From this may we learn the destruction of self-reliance, and the corrupt nature of our flesh. To understand that our greatest battles will be with our own desires, and the key to overcoming them is yielding to God's will.