Proverbs 26:12 - Homiletics

Self-conceit

I. ITS CHARACTER . Self-conceit is just the cherishing of an undue opinion of one's own worth, powers, character, or attainments. This is not pride, because pride need not make special pretences, so long as it asserts itself with dignity, while self-conceit is concerned with the actual contents of the mental life. This is not vanity, for it is not merely a desire to be admired; it may, arid probably will, stimulate this desire; but possibly it will be too proud to cherish it. Self-conceit is absorbed with an inordinate conception of its possessor's own inner wealth, it makes a weak man believe that he can carry the gates of Gaza like a second Samson, and a foolish man think that he can solve the riddle of the Sphinx. It is profoundly honest in this. No Don Quixote could be more grave in the service of an illusion than the self-conceited man in pursuit of his hopeless aims.

II. ITS MISCHIEF .

1 . It blinds to self-knowledge . It stands between a man and a true vision of his condition and character. It substitutes its own inventions for the facts of his inner life. Instead of seeing himself as he is, the conceited man only sees himself as he is painted by his besetting weakness. He mistakes the flattering picture for a photographic likeness.

2 . It shuts the door on true knowledge . The conceited man will not learn, for he will not believe in his own ignorance. He starts with a consciousness of omniscience.

3 . It refuses to follow guidance . In his exalted opinion of himself the poor deluded self-worshipper declines to be guided by those who are far more capable than he is. The captain dispenses with the pilot, the patient doctors himself, the suitor conducts his own case; in religious matters the self-conceited man prefers his own notions to the teachings of prophets and apostles. His "views" outweigh Bible truths.

III. ITS CAUSES .

1 . It springs from self-love . Dwelling much on one's own excellences generates an inordinate conception of them. Love is a flatterer, and self-love flatters sell

2 . It is nourished in ignorance . It is usually through a lack of perception of the narrowness of the horizon that the self-conceited man believes so much in himself. His village is the world. In looking at a panorama the picture seems to retreat into a great distance, whereas it is but a few feet from the observer.

3 . It is sheltered by indolence . The conceited man will not rouse himself to inquire.

IV. ITS REMEDIES . These must follow the diagnosis of the disease and its causes.

1 . Enlarged knowledge . As knowledge grows, the consciousness of ignorance increases.

2 . Failure . Give it time, and self-conceit will work its own cure, through humiliating disasters.

3 . Grace . A vision of the truth and righteousness of God and an endowment of the grace of Divine wisdom and goodness will humble a man into shame at his own previous self-conceit. So Nicodemus was humbled when Christ sent him back to his cradle.