In biblical literature, the term "conceits" refers to thoughts, ideas, or opinions that are often characterized by pride, vanity, or self-centeredness. The concept of conceit is frequently addressed in Scripture, warning against the dangers of self-exaltation and the folly of human wisdom apart from God.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several insights into the nature of conceit. Proverbs 26:12 states, "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." This verse highlights the peril of self-deception and the false security that comes from relying on one's own understanding. The wisdom literature consistently contrasts human conceit with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of true wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Isaiah 5:21 further warns, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." Here, the prophet Isaiah condemns the arrogance of those who trust in their own intellect rather than seeking divine guidance. Such conceit leads to moral and spiritual blindness, distancing individuals from God's truth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of conceit in several of his epistles. Romans 12:16 advises, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited." Paul emphasizes humility and the importance of valuing others above oneself, reflecting the attitude of Christ.

Galatians 5:26 warns, "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another." Here, conceit is linked to discord and jealousy within the Christian community. Paul urges believers to walk by the Spirit, producing the fruit of love, joy, and peace, rather than succumbing to the divisive nature of conceit.

Theological Implications

Conceit is fundamentally a sin of pride, which is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology. It represents an overestimation of one's abilities or worth, often leading to a disregard for God's sovereignty and the needs of others. The Bible consistently calls for humility, recognizing that all wisdom and strength come from the Lord.

The teachings of Jesus further underscore the dangers of conceit. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), those who recognize their spiritual need and dependence on God. This beatitude stands in stark contrast to the self-sufficiency and arrogance associated with conceit.

Practical Application

For believers, the call to avoid conceit involves cultivating a heart of humility and service. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage encourages Christians to emulate Christ's humility, prioritizing the well-being of others and acknowledging their own limitations.

In summary, the biblical perspective on conceits is clear: they are a manifestation of pride that leads to spiritual downfall. Scripture consistently calls believers to reject conceit, embrace humility, and seek wisdom from God, who alone grants true understanding and insight.1438. heautou -- of himself, herself, itself
... one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves),
(of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1438.htm - 8k

Notwithstanding their Conceits, the God of the Marcionites Fails ...
... Chapter XVIII."Notwithstanding Their Conceits, the God of the Marcionites Fails
in the Vouchers Both of Created Evidence and of Adequate Revelation. ...
/.../chapter xviii notwithstanding their conceits the.htm

Other Absurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed ...
... Chapter XXXVI."Other Absurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed
in an Ironical Strain. Motion in Matter. Hermogenes' Conceits Respecting It. ...
/.../against hermogenes/chapter xxxvi other absurd theories respecting.htm

The Absurd Opinion of Epicurus and the Profane Conceits of the ...
... Chapter L."The Absurd Opinion of Epicurus and the Profane Conceits of the Heretic
Menander on Death, Even Enoch and Elijah Reserved for Death. ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter l the absurd opinion of.htm

Third Sunday after Epiphany
... Text: Romans 12, 16-21. 16 Be not wise in your own conceits.17 Render to no
man evil for evil. ... "Be not wise in your own conceits.". 64. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after epiphany.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vii. 7, "Ask, and it Shall be ...
... Charge them before all things, not to be proud in their conceits, for there
is nothing which riches do so much generate as pride. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xi on the words.htm

Of the Meditations of them that Continually Travail in the Work of ...
... For their meditations be but as they were sudden conceits and blind feelings of
their own wretchedness, or of the goodness of God; without any means of reading ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the six and 2.htm

St. Paul Preached no New God, when He Announced the Repeal of Some ...
... Our previous position [2575] is accordingly made good, that no god is to be believed
whom any man has devised out of his own conceits; except indeed the man be ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxi st paul preached no.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 17, "If Thou Wouldest Enter ...
... Let the "rich" then "of this world" give ear to the Apostle, "Charge," he says,
"the rich of this world, that they be not proud in their conceits." The first ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxv on the words.htm

Explanatory and Biographical
... His sonnets show truth of feeling and freedom from ingenious 'conceits': he seems
to have formed his style upon that of Sir P. Sidney, to whose Astrophel he ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/explanatory and biographical.htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... state to be filled with his fulness, to live in his life, to be wise with his wisdom,
and to be glorious in his glory, when we are emptied of our own conceits. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

Conceits (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Conceits (3 Occurrences). ... Don't set your mind on high things,
but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. ...
/c/conceits.htm - 7k

Conceited (14 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, of this secret -- that
ye may not be wise in your own conceits -- that hardness in part to Israel ...
/c/conceited.htm - 10k

Wise (422 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so
that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has ...
/w/wise.htm - 40k

Uninformed (4 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so
that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has ...
/u/uninformed.htm - 7k

Lowly (29 Occurrences)
... Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly.
Be not wise in your own conceits. (ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV). ...
/l/lowly.htm - 14k

Ignorant (32 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so
that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has ...
/i/ignorant.htm - 16k

Fulness (76 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is ...
/f/fulness.htm - 30k

Estimation (19 Occurrences)
... another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
Don't be wise in your own conceits. (See NAS). Leviticus ...
/e/estimation.htm - 13k

Experienced (23 Occurrences)
... Romans 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so
that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has ...
/e/experienced.htm - 13k

Estate (40 Occurrences)
... Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (KJV WBS). ...
/e/estate.htm - 20k

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