conceits that is, deeming yourselves to be wise and prudent, which would be an effect of pride—Isaiah v. 21, “ Woe unto them that are wise in their own eves ” Another explanation is—“ Be not wise,” &c.: hold not your wisdom for yourself alone, but also communicate it to others; hence the Gloss., exercise your wisdom not for yourself only, but rather for the benefit of your neighbour.
Three things ought chiefly to dissuade us from the sin of pride—firstly, it disorders a man towards God; secondly, towards his neighbour; thirdly, towards himself.
I. On the first head it is to be noted that by pride a man is disaffected toward God in three ways. (1) By falling away from Him—Ecclus. x. 14, “The beginning of the pride of man is to fall off from God.” (2) By fighting against Him—Ps. lxxiii. 23 (Vulg.), “The pride of them that hate Thee ascendeth continually.” (3) By exalting himself against Him—Job xv. 26 (Vulg.), “He hath run against Him with his neck raised up.” Therefore is the Lord ever armed that He may resist the proud—S. James iv. 6, “ God resisteth the proud.”
II. On the second head it is to be noted that by pride a man is disaffected towards his neighbour in three ways. (1) By disturbing him with injuries—Prov. xiii. 10, “By pride cometh contention.” (2) By vexing him with malice— Isaiah xiv. 5, “ The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked.” (3) By condemning and despising him—Job. xii. 4, “ I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and He answereth him.”
III. On the third head it is to be noted that by pride a man is disaffected towards himself in three ways. (1) By deceiving himself—Jer. xlix. 16, “Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart.” (2) By rendering himself foolish—Prov. xxi. 24 (Vulg.), “The proud and the arrogant is called ignorant.” (3) By confounding himself— Prov. xi. 2, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame.”
Of Covetousness.—Against the sin of avarice the Creator, the creature, and Nature alike warn us. (1) The Creator by prohibiting it—S. Luke xii. 15, “ Take heed and beware of covetousness.” (2) The creature, in giving itself and its possessions. S. Austin says, “ It is a great sign of Divine goodness that every creature thinks to give somewhat of its
