Luke 18:4

And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest she wear me out by her continual coming.

He said within himself ... As frequently noted, one of the unique features of God's word is that it gives the truth of what men are saying inwardly.

I fear not God ... nor man ... This evil judge was boastful and arrogant in his infidelity and disregard of all considerations except those touching his selfishness.

I will avenge her ... As Barnes exclaimed:

How many actions are performed from the basest and lowest motives of selfishness, that have the appearance of external propriety and even goodness.[6]

This shows that even a righteous deed, undertaken upon selfish and evil motives, cannot be well-pleasing to God.

Lest she wear me out ... This means, literally, "Lest she give me a black eye";[7] but from this, we should not conclude that "The judge supposed she might do him bodily harm."[8] A proverb known to all generations makes the destruction of one's good reputation to be "giving him a black eye," and it is clearly his reputation that concerned the judge, and not his physical safety.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Everett F. Harrison, Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), p. 250.

[8] George R. Bliss, An American Commentary on the New Testament (Valley Forge: The Judson Press), p. 266.