bitter jealousy
The term "bitter" comes from the Greek "pikros," which denotes something sharp or pungent. "Jealousy" is translated from "zēlos," which can mean zeal or fervor but in this context refers to an envious and resentful attitude. Historically, jealousy has been a destructive force, leading to division and strife, as seen in the accounts of Cain and Abel or Joseph and his brothers. The Bible consistently warns against jealousy, as it is contrary to the love and unity that should characterize the Christian community.

and selfish ambition
"Selfish ambition" is translated from the Greek "eritheia," which originally referred to a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. This term suggests a divisive, self-centered attitude that seeks personal gain at the expense of others. In the early church, such attitudes were particularly dangerous, threatening the unity and witness of the Christian community. The conservative Christian view emphasizes humility and service to others, following the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

in your hearts
The "heart" in biblical language is more than just the seat of emotions; it is the core of one's identity and decision-making. The Greek word "kardia" encompasses thoughts, intentions, and desires. The heart is where true character is formed, and thus, harboring negative traits like jealousy and ambition can corrupt one's entire being. Scripture often calls for a pure heart, one that is aligned with God's will and purposes.

do not boast in it
"Boast" comes from the Greek "katakauchaomai," meaning to glory against or to exult over. This implies a sense of pride or arrogance in one's negative traits. The Bible consistently warns against pride, which is seen as the root of many sins. Boasting in sin is a denial of the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to humility and repentance.

or deny the truth
To "deny" is from the Greek "pseudomai," meaning to lie or speak falsely. "The truth" refers to the reality of God's word and the moral and ethical standards it sets forth. Denying the truth is akin to living in hypocrisy, claiming to follow Christ while harboring attitudes and behaviors contrary to His teachings. In a conservative Christian context, this is a call to integrity and authenticity, living in a way that reflects the truth of the Gospel in every aspect of life.

Glory not.--Boast not yourselves as partakers of this accursed zeal; behold already what ruin it is bringing on us as a nation and a Church. And it were well to take care even in these milder days of religious factions, that the strife of creeds be wholly different in kind from the old zealot feuds, and not merely in degree. Able only to rend and overthrow, party-spirit will, if it be gloried and exulted in, lay down the walls of Zion "even to the ground." But "if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy" (1Corinthians 3:17), and the words must be translated much more sternly, "If any man destroy . . ."

Lie not against the truth.--This is not tautology, nor a Hebraism, but of far deeper import. "What is truth?" said jesting Pilate (John 18:38), and, as Bacon remarks in his Essay on Truth, he would not stay for an answer. Probably he put a question familiar to himself, learned in a certain school of knowledge whose wise conclusion was that mankind could not tell; and the inquirer turned away, unwitting that before him stood the incarnate Truth itself. The world of unbelief repeats the careless utterance of the Roman Governor, and holds with him in its new Agnosticism; and to its self-assurance and pride of life He, Who can only be learned in the doing of His will (John 7:17), is alike unknowable and unknown. But the words of the Apostle have a mournful significance for the ignorant of God; and a terrible one for the Christian who knows and sins against the Light. Falsehood is not the hurt of some abstract virtue, or bare rule of right and wrong, but a direct blow at the living Truth (John 14:6), Who suffered and still "endures such contradiction of sinners against Himself" (Hebrews 12:3). As the fault of Judas was double--personal treachery against his Friend and Master, and a wider attack on Christ, the Truth manifest in the flesh--so in a like two-fold manner we smite at once God and our brother when we speak or act a lie. All faintest shades of falsehood tend to the dark one of a fresh betrayal of the Son of Man if they be conceived against others, while if they be wrought only to shield ourselves, we are. as Montaigne observed, "brave before God, and cowards before men," who are as the dust of His feet. . . .

(1) working for hire;

(2) the canvassing of hired partisans; and

(3) factiousness in general (see Lightfoot on Galatians 5:20). Glory not; i.e. glory not of your wisdom, a boast to which your whole conduct thus gives the lie.

Parallel Commentaries ...