Galatians 6:3-4

Galatians 6:3-4

[3] For  think himself  something,  nothing,  he deceiveth  himself.  [4] But  every man  prove  his own  work,  and  then  shall he have  rejoicing  in  himself  alone,  and  not  in  another. 

What does Galatians 6:3-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In the context the high-minded person probably is one who thinks himself above helping another bear an excessive burden. One remedy for this is to remember that we are not intrinsically superior (cf. Romans 12:3). An objective review of our accomplishments should also remind us that the only legitimate ground for justifiable self-satisfaction is God"s working through us ( Galatians 6:4). The emphasis is on personal responsibility.
"Two errors might keep a believer from fulfilling this role [1]. The first is conceit, that Isaiah , thinking himself to be more important than he is.... The second ... is to be always comparing himself and his own work with others [2]." [3]
". . . there is a great difference between introspection and self-examination. The former can easily devolve into a kind of narcissistic, spiritual navel-gazing that has more in common with types of Eastern mysticism than with classic models of the devotional life in historic Christianity. True self-examination is not merely taking one"s spiritual pulse beat on a regular basis but rather submitting one"s thoughts, attitudes, and actions to the will of God and the mind of Christ revealed in Holy Scripture." [4]