To live happily the evils of false ambition and self-love must be plucked from our hearts by the roots.
If we listen to the instruction of Scripture, we must remember that our talents are not of our own making, but free gifts of God.
If we are proud of our talents, we betray our lack of gratitude to God.
“Who makes you to differ?” says Paul. “Now, if you received all gifts, why do you glory as if you had not received them?”
We must watch and acknowledge our faults, and be truly humble. For then we shall not be puffed up, but have great reason to feel dejected.
John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life, 2.4.4