The Meaning of Philippians 2:3: Esteem Others Better?

ME.

We live in a self-focused, individualistic society that encourages us to prioritize our own interests above all else.

Is this the kind of mindset the apostle Paul warned against in his epistle to the Philippians?

Early in his letter, Paul makes a poignant statement: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

What did Paul mean when he said to “esteem others better” than ourselves? In a world centered on self, is it even possible to value others more highly?

What are selfish ambition and conceit?

To understand Paul’s statement, we must first grasp what he was warning about. The apostle began the verse by addressing acts of “selfish ambition” and “conceit.”

Selfish ambition refers to an insatiable desire to elevate oneself, with little regard for the well-being of others. While ambition to achieve something is not inherently wrong, ambition driven solely by self-interest is something the Bible clearly warns against (Galatians 5:19-21; Proverbs 16:5; {verse_3).

Pride and selfishness hinder our Christianity, but humility guides us on our way. Conceit is a more difficult word. The Greek word translated conceit is kenodoxia, and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines kenodoxia as “vainglory, groundless self-esteem, empty pride.”

Conceit in this context is an overestimation of one’s own self-worth. Kenodoxia is the driving force behind much of what we see in the world today. Take a stroll through your daily social media feed—can much of what you see be described as “vainglory,” “groundless self-esteem” or “empty pride”?

In all likelihood, we all see more kenodoxia, more conceit, than we would like on a daily basis. But this isn’t a new phenomenon. Judging from Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3, these qualities were abundant in the first century as well.

Paul puts “selfish ambition” and “conceit” in direct contrast with humility, which is one of the fundamental attributes of a Christian (Colossians 3:12). If we are to truly call ourselves Christians, our actions must ring of humility, not kenodoxia. Pride and selfishness hinder our Christianity, but humility guides us on our way.

If we want to practice humility, we must learn to esteem others better than ourselves.

Esteeming others better than ourselves

In Philippians 2:3, Paul instructs us to esteem others better than ourselves. While this may seem like an unusual phrase, it effectively contrasts the “selfish ambition” and “conceit” mentioned in the first half of the verse with a more excellent way of living.

God’s people are instructed not to look out for their own interests exclusively, but also those of the people around them. Self-esteem is typically considered a good thing in our world, but it is a concept that can easily be carried too far. As the definition of kenodoxia shows, there is such a thing as groundless self-esteem, or an overinflated view of oneself.

If left unchecked, self-esteem can transform into conceit, wherein other people’s interests become unimportant because our entire focus is on self.

In contrast, God’s people are instructed not to look out for their own interests exclusively, but also those of the people around them (verse 4; see also 1 Corinthians 10:23-24).

In the rest of the passage, Paul provides us with a simple rule that will always help us to esteem others better than ourselves:

Follow Christ.

Christ is the perfect example

Jesus Christ is our perfect example of humbly putting His own interests on the back burner and looking out for the interests of others.

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul points to Jesus Christ, who was God, yet came in the flesh to die for the sins of humanity. The Creator of the universe willingly came in the form of a humble man and suffered a painful and humiliating death because He put the interests of mankind above His own privileges and comfort.

If there was ever anyone in history who had a reason to esteem Himself higher than all others, it was Jesus Christ. There never has been nor ever will be a more perfect or more impressive human being. He categorically excelled and surpassed every other human in every aspect of His character, yet He laid His life down as a sacrifice for others.

Caring for others above oneself is a fundamental attribute of Christianity and a necessity if we intend to walk as Jesus walked. Christ spent His life serving others, healing, teaching and comforting those in need. He was certainly worthy of worship and praise, which He accepted at the appropriate times, but He adopted a servant’s heart, not touting His position over others.

If we want to learn how to esteem others better than ourselves, we must look to Jesus Christ, who was the perfect example of humility—the exact opposite of kenodoxia.

Jesus emphasized the importance of looking out for others. In Matthew 22, He was asked which of the commandments are the most important. Jesus summarized the commandments in just two points: love God (verse 37) and love your neighbor as yourself (verse 39). “On these two commandments,” He said, “hang all the Law and the Prophets” (verse 40).

Caring for others above oneself is a fundamental attribute of Christianity and a necessity if we intend to walk as Jesus walked. Rather than wondering what we can do for ourselves, we must look to see what we might do for others.

This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t care for ourselves as well. Self-care and humility are not mutually exclusive. Even Jesus took time for rest, refreshment and personal prayer when necessary (Mark 1:35). But He didn’t do this solely for Himself—He did it to be better strengthened to serve others.  

If we neglect our own needs and fail to care for our physical, mental and spiritual health, we’ll be far less effective in serving and helping others.

The key to esteeming others better than oneself isn’t to neglect ourselves. As Paul says in Philippians 2:5, it’s about having the mind of Christ.

The key to true Christian humility is not having your selfless actions outweigh your selfish ones, nor is it simply about being known for selflessness. 

The key is developing a mindset like that of Jesus Christ—a mindset marked by humility, selflessness and a sincere desire to serve others.

How can we esteem others better than ourselves?

When seeking concrete ways to develop a humble mindset, we can look to the life of Jesus Christ. In His physical life, He set the perfect example of selflessness.

Here are just a few ways that we can follow Jesus’ example in esteeming others better than ourselves.

1. Take time to listen. One of the greatest acts of service we can offer others is simply to listen—to hear them out and genuinely consider their difficulties. Jesus modeled this often, patiently listening as people poured out their concerns to Him (Matthew 8:5-13; Mark 5:25-34).

Intently listening to those who need to be heard is an excellent way of showing that you truly care about them. Even if there is nothing you can do to help them with their specific problem, taking time to listen and empathize shows care and concern. It is also a terrific way to remind ourselves not to be overly focused on the issues we’re facing in our own lives.

2. Make time for the little people. Christians need to give time and attention to those who have less power or social status. Jesus Christ was unusual in this regard, making time for children (Mark 10:13-16) and even speaking to groups who were normally treated as social outcasts, like tax collectors (Luke 19:1-10) and Samaritans (John 4).

Jesus showed kindness to those who could offer Him nothing in return. He didn’t treat these people as less important, nor did He make a big show of His interactions with them. Similarly, we can make time for the little people, serving those who need it most, without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. 

3. Be forgiving. There is nothing more opposed to conceit than forgiving someone who has wronged us. Conceit urges us to hold grudges, cling to offenses and protect our wounded pride. But a truly humble mind chooses to let things go and to be willing to forgive.

Jesus Christ preached about forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-22). As He was being crucified, He prayed for God to forgive His executioners (Luke 23:34). Forgiving others is a powerful sign that a person is not ruled by ego and conceit. In contrast, a refusal to forgive often reveals a self-centered attitude. 

4. Serve others. The best way to overcome conceit and selfish ambition is to be a servant. Jesus Christ, who was greater than any human who has ever lived, chose to serve those around Him daily. He taught that true greatness comes not from elevating oneself, but from humbly serving others (Mark 9:35; Matthew 20:26).

Jesus put His teaching into practice. On the night before He died, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13), a perfect example of service that we can imitate and aspire to. If you want to esteem others better than yourself, then look for ways to serve them.

Follow Christ in selfless humility

The world around you is full of conceit and selfish ambition. But these traits are empty, profitless and vain. Jesus Christ shows us a different way. 

A much better way.

In His life, Jesus Christ practiced perfect humility, esteeming others better than Himself and putting their interests ahead of His own. In the world today, vainglory and groundless self-esteem inevitably lead to strife and quarrels. 

It goes against our human nature to put others’ interests ahead of our own, yet this is exactly what Christians are called to do in Philippians 2:3. 

We are urged to rise above selfish ambition and pride and instead follow Christ’s example of selfless humility—always esteeming others better than ourselves.

Photo credit:
CasarsaGuru/E+ via Getty Images 

Date Posted: May 12, 2025