Philippians 2:3 King James Version (KJV) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

This is the KJV I was searching for to begin yesterday. We can see those words “better than” which led me to that passage I converted to the ESV.

Lowliness of mind was humility in the ESV. Esteem was more significant in the ESV. Searching the scriptures by remembrance brought to mind by the power of the Holy Spirit is possible because we have read His Word. The version which we use is not as important as what the Holy Spirit does with that knowledge.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁰ Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

The Holy Spirit brings us the Word of truth, but we still need to walk in truth.

What the KJV and ESV translate from the Greek in agreement in these verses is “great house”. Both hint at the fact of the indwelling love of God. We are His temple, His great house. God and silver have value which glorifies God. Wood and clay exist in us also and their use does not glorify God.

If by lowliness of mind we esteem others higher, as we look up to God from that position, we will see how others perceive and communicate. That understanding will allow us to communicate better with others. We can then communicate better to them what we see of our God.

Better Than by Larry Perry

Philippians 2:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Yesterday I said; “Don’t try to be better than them. Pride will lead you astray.”

Many of us were raised to set goals and achieve goals. Sadly not everyone was raised to understand the real purpose of goal setting. It builds self-esteem. If we feel good about ourselves, we will act out of goodness. If we despise ourselves we will act despicably. If we have self-worth we will not seek things to make us happy. Happiness does not come from material possessions.

What do we think of when we hear the word snooty? We do not care to be around people who act that way. We tend to gravitate towards people that are sincerely interested in us. Pride goes wrong when it effects how we treat others. Pride is at the center of rivalries. It leads towards bitter disputes and violence.

Pride can sneak into your life unawares and to see it for what it is takes an honest look at how we treat others. Here is a small meaningless example.

I did not find Philippians 2:3 by searching for its words in the ESV. I am reminded of passages by the Holy Spirit in the KJV. I grew up in the KJV and memorized passages in the KJV. When it came time to witness to others I found they grew up with the NIV or the NASB. Even now as I have settled on the ESV as my writing choice, I have done so with the consideration for copyrights and not popularity.

I had to admit others do not like the KJV and my reasons for choosing the KJV became a source of pride as I found myself using words of justification that stunk of pride. “I use the KJV because it is an archaic language and it makes me seek God.” The undertone was rooted in pride by insinuating that I do a better job of seeking God than others. Insinuating is an interesting work. It begins with in sin.