Philippians 2:3

Modern

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Traditional

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Literal

…nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit, but in humility esteeming one another surpassing yourselves,

Latin

…nihil per contentionem, neque per inanem gloriam: sed in humilitate superiores sibi invicem arbitrantes,

Greek

English

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition: Thinking only about yourself is the opposite of truly caring for others (compare 2:20–21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 5:26).

During their persecution, Paul urges the Philippians to be united and live a humble life like Christ.

Theme notes and profiles

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 4:2
…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 3:14–16
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
James 4:5–6
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,
Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Galatians 5:15
But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.
1 Timothy 6:4
…he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
Proverbs 13:10
Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.