THEOSISGregory the Great
Individuals who display arrogance often do not convey this trait openly in their speech. When they recognize that they have articulated something praiseworthy, they look to their listeners to gauge whether they may have misspoken. This behavior arises not from uncertainty in their own words but from a desire for validation from those around them. Their true motivations can be revealed quite easily; for instance, when someone admires their virtues while also pointing out their faults. Indeed, those who are consumed by pride are hardened by reproach, and when faced with criticism—even if it is justified—they search within their failings for a means of self-justification. How can they genuinely possess humble doubt about their virtues while they obstinately try to protect their vices?
Read more (395 words)
The genuinely humble person is the one who refrains from defending their wrongdoings. When someone acknowledges their mistakes and becomes agitated by the words of the one who calls them out, they appear to speak humbly about their good traits but actually seek the degradation of praise rather than correction.
In this light, Elihu exemplifies the conduct of the arrogant; after offering many wise and elevated thoughts, he assumes a facade of humility and, feigning the role of a disciple, addresses the blessed Job with a reasonable suggestion: “Because I have spoken unto God, I will not also hinder thee. If I have sinned, teach me; if I have spoken iniquity, I will add nothing more” (Job 34:31-32).
Moreover, it is not uncommon for even the wicked to express truthful statements. Elihu reminded Job of his prior noble assertions and persisted in questioning whether he might be mistaken. He would not have posed such a question had he been confident that he was not deluded. As previously noted, the boastful often seek confirmation of their correctness, even when they are assured of their accuracy. They also avoid addressing their errors to evade being accused of wrongdoing, all while striving to appear humble; yet, in reality, they are often more proud of their pretense of humility than of genuine modesty. The pride that resides within is difficult to contain, easily surfacing in speech. If those listening were to take a moment to reflect on these arrogant individuals’ words, the true sentiments of their hearts would eventually become evident. They cannot maintain this illusion of humility for long. To the proud mind, humility seems elevated; when attempting to reach such heights, they falter as on a steep and rugged incline, hindered by the weight of their own thoughts. The persona they strive to embody feels foreign to them, making it challenging to grasp this pretense. The burden of maintaining appearances weighs heavily upon them, and this inner struggle persists until they manage to cast it aside. In truth, they are enslaved by their pride, which corruptingly directs their actions, compelling them to reveal their true selves, preventing them from masquerading as something they are not. Furthermore, after Elihu was prompted to identify Job's faults and had promised to speak no more of iniquity, he suddenly reverted from his humble demeanor to expressions of arrogance within his argument.