Philippians 2:3 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

In lowliness of mind, &c.— Though Christians of eminent gifts and graces may, and cannot but account their attainments to be superior to others of the lower class, as the Apostle speaks of his own gifts and labours; yet, like him, they ought to be humble in ascribing no glory to themselves, but all to the grace of God (compare 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 12:11.). And, with respect to true religion, love should teach them to hope that there may be something abundantly more excellent in the hearts of other believers than they find in their own, who, on one account or another, are apt to think their own worse than others; because, the more they know themselves, the more they see of the defects of their own hearts—more than it is possible for them to see of the hearts of others whose conversation is such as becomes the gospel of Christ. See Matthew 20:26-28 and compare Romans 12:10. 1 Peter 5:5. The Apostle in the former verse exhorts the Philippians to be at peace and unity among themselves: in this, like a wise physician, he searches to the bottom of the evil which he would cure; and well knowing that pride and vain-glory are the perpetual sources of strife and contention, he exhorts them to fly from those evils, pressesthemtolowlinessof mind, and admonishes them not to overvalue themselves, nor undervalue others; but to practise humility towards each other.