The Deceit of Self-Esteem Without God's Perspective

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes.—Isaiah 5:21

Isaiah denounces not mere frivolous self-conceit, but that delusive estimate of human wisdom which may coexist with modesty of manners and genuine intellectual merit. As John A. Alexander observes, this sin must be abjured both for its destructive effects and as the worst form of pride.

True wisdom descends from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness. According to James's description, such wisdom proves pure, free from corruption; peaceable, disposing hearts toward harmony; gentle, bearing meekness with infirmities; easily entreated by sound reason; full of mercy toward the afflicted; without partiality or hypocrisy.

Conversely, those wise in their own eyes flatter themselves with qualifications they have not acquired. Though ignorant, they remain senseless of their ignorance. Though foolish in God's sight and before men of understanding, they never perceive their folly. Elated with supposed excellence, they proclaim their own praises on every occasion, applauding their performance.

Self-conceit exhibits clear signs: dogmatism that brooks no counsel, contempt for others' perspectives, and a scepticism of truth beyond their comprehension. Its causes—ignorance masquerading as knowledge, vanity inflating the ego—produce folly that renders a man ridiculous and leads him into grievous error. Most critically, such pride offends Elohim in spirit, principle, and action.