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(see Isaiah 5:21): —

I. IT INVOLVES SELF-IGNORANCE. No one who knows himself could be conceited. Let the wisest man think of two things —

1. His knowledge in comparison with what is to be known.

2. His knowledge in comparison with what he ought to have known.

II. IT OBSTRUCTS MENTAL IMPROVEMENT. This is clear from two things —

1. That mental improvement requires an earnest seeking for knowledge.

2. Earnest seeking for knowledge requires a deep sense of the necessity of knowledge. A self-conceited man feels no such necessity; he thinks he knows everything.

II. IT DESTROYS SOCIAL INFLUENCE. A self-conceited man disgusts rather than pleases, repels rather than draws. He is despised rather than respected. Intelligence, generosity, truthfulness, humility, these are the elements of social power.

(D. Thomas, D.D.)

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KJV: Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

WEB: Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.