THEOSISGregory the Great
For truly my words are without deceit, as stated in Job 36:4. While even the just may recognize that those with weaker understanding struggle to grasp their meaning, they often commend their own words. This praise is not a quest for personal admiration but rather an effort to inspire a yearning in their listeners to engage with their thoughts, allowing them to convey their messages more deeply. The Apostle Paul, when addressing the Corinthians, expressed this sentiment by saying: ‘Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians, our heart is enlarged’ (2 Corinthians 6:11). Conversely, the arrogant, who lack true understanding of a good heart and merely mimic others sporadically, rush to laud their own words.
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Their motivation does not stem from concern about the apathy of their listeners, but from an eagerness to gratify themselves. They imitate the righteous, yet do not grasp the power behind their voices. They observe the virtuous leading the way but remain blind to their destination. Holy instructors, when highlighting the value of their teachings, lift their audience’s spirits from lowly thoughts through the power of their words, encouraging them to rise and embrace these subsequent truths more firmly and affectionately. However, as I have mentioned, the proud fail to understand this reality. They seek what they cannot truly find within themselves. It is written of the chosen Church: ‘All glory is about her; the daughter of kings is within’ (Psalm 44:14). Similarly, the wise virgins were noted for carrying oil within their lamps (Matthew 25:4). Thus, the saints declare, ‘Our glory is in this, in the testimony of our conscience’ (2 Corinthians 1:12). Yet the arrogant, lacking a testimony of conscience before God, seek affirmation from others in the eyes of men. When they do not receive this validation quickly, they shamelessly glorify themselves. Should they fail to hear the praise they desire from others, they resort to extolling their own wisdom. Elihu further asserts, ‘And perfect knowledge shall be proved to thee.’ He clearly felt he was about to share profound insights yet could not hide his inflated sense of self within his proud heart, thus leading him to preemptively seek praise for himself. He would be guilty at God’s judgment for merely feeling internally exalted. Before the scrutiny of truth, we find no safety, even if we possess nothing warranting reproach in human judgment. Frequently, in moments of carelessness, we are besieged by pride, which we keep hidden. Until this concealed pride is extinguished by true repentance emerging from the depths of our hearts, the worth of our actions will be diminished before our righteous Judge. We must ponder the severity with which this pride will be judged, as it thrives when expressed boldly, even if it emerges from a silent, inexcusable thought. We should also reflect on the relentless nature of pride within that is emboldened enough to manifest outwardly. As Elihu felt compelled to share his grand thoughts, he could not maintain humility, displaying lofty knowledge while neglecting the grace of humility. In seeking to eloquently express himself, he forfeited the grace necessary for living well. ‘For knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth’ (1 Corinthians 8:1). He may now claim ignorance of how to articulate properly, yet after having filled his mind with lofty thoughts and words of arrogance, he imparted a noble assertion.