²⁶ Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and lie about the truth. ¹⁵ This is not wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.^{(A) 16} For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.^(B)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy,^{(A) 2} make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.^{(B) 3} Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.^(C)

¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.

¹⁵ If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.^(A)

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger must be subject to the elders.^[a] And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.