Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Study Note
Study Note
The dual negative command — 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves' — applies the kenotic Christology of the following hymn (2:6-11) to everyday community relationships. The word 'selfish ambition' (eritheia) carries its connotation of factional maneuvering for advantage, warning against the social climbing that divided the Corinthian and likely the Philippian community. 'Humility' (tapeinophrosyne — lowliness of mind) was generally considered a weakness in Greco-Roman virtue ethics; Paul and the early Christian tradition elevated it as the central disposition formed by contemplating Christ's self-emptying. The verse represents one of the most direct applications of christological pattern to ethical practice in the New Testament, making the Christ-hymn the moral template for community life.
Other Translations
doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;
nothing in rivalry or vain-glory, but in humility of mind one another counting more excellent than yourselves--
Doing nothing through envy or through pride, but with low thoughts of self let everyone take others to be better than himself;
Cross References
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief …
For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth …
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in …
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, …
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted …
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall …
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.