Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others . Translate, "looking," as R.V., not making one's own interest the one only object of life, but regarding also the interests, feelings, wishes, of others. Each man must in a measure look at his own things,—the καί implies that; but he must consider others if he is a Christian indeed. read more
Selfishness. I. SELFISHNESS IS THE ROOT OF SIN . Selfishness is living in and for ourselves. It manifests itself in various aspects. 1 . In thought. Self becomes the largest figure in a man's conception of the universe. The shadow of self lies across everything else. The merits of self are magnified in pride. Vanity craves the admiration of others for one's self. Self-worship makes a man prejudiced in holding to his own opinions and bigoted in rejecting those of other... read more
Look not every man on his own things - That is, be not selfish. Do not let your care and attention be wholly absorbed by your own concerns, or by the concerns of your own family. Evince a tender interest for the happiness of the whole, and let the welfare of others lie near your hearts. This, of course, does not mean that there is to be any improper interference in the business of others, or that we are to have the character of “busy-bodies in other people’s matters” (compare the 2... read more
Philippians 2:3-4. Let nothing be done among you through strife A spirit of contradiction or contention, which is inconsistent with your being like- minded; or vain glory Desire of praise; wishing to draw the eyes of others upon you, and to make yourselves the subjects of discourse and admiration which is directly opposite to the love of God: but in lowliness of mind In unaffected simplicity and humility; let each esteem other better than themselves Which, on one account or another,... read more
Christ’s example of humility (2:1-11)Paul gives four reasons why Christians should have greater unity between them: the encouragement given them by Christ; the power of Christ’s love working in them; the common sharing they have in the same Spirit; and the sympathetic kindness that God’s children should show to each other. Although the Philippians bring Paul much joy, that joy will not be complete till there is genuine unity among them (2:1-2). They are not to be concerned solely with their own... read more
Look. Greek. slopeo. See Luke 11:35 . not . App-105 . every man = each one. also , &c. = on the things of others also. others . App-124 . read more
Not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.As Wesley said, "The also sanctions some reasonable amount of attention to one's own interests!"[7] True as this is, however, it is concern for and interest in other people and their interests which pay the greatest dividends to the Christian. Would a person who habitually practiced the injunction of Paul in this verse be popular with his peers? Hendriksen gave the answer thus: "True Christianity is still... read more
Philippians 2:4. Look not every man, &c.— "Let no one among you be only solicitous for his own profit; but let every one desire, and, as he has opportunity, further the profit of others." See Philippians 2:21. read more
4. The oldest manuscripts read, "Not looking each of you (plural, Greek) on his own things (that is, not having regard solely to them), but each of you on the things of others" also. Compare :-; also Paul's own example ( :-). read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:3-4
Exhortation to unity: (3) Causes of its breach. I. TO CONQUER A MALADY WE MUST ASCERTAIN ITS CAUSE . St. Paul lays bare the causes of the divisions which exist among Christians. 1 . Strife : faction; party spirit; the desire to promote the success of a cause rather than to be guided by the Holy Spirit into that which is true. 2 . Vain-glory : personal vanity; the desire to be noticed, and the hatred of owning one's self to be wrong. These are the solvents of... read more