Dangers in Self-flattery—It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have a correct knowledge of our own characters. The Word of God is plain, but often there is an error in applying it to one’s self. There is liability to self-deception and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Self-flattery may be construed into Christian emotion and zeal. Self-love and confidence may give us assurance that we are right when we are far from meeting the requirements of God’s Word.—Testimonies for the Church 5:332 (1885). {1MCP 273.5}

Fare for selvsmiger. - Det er vanskeligt for os at forstå os selv, at forstå vor egen (274) karakter rigtigt. Guds ord er tydeligt, men ofte er der en fejl i at anvende det på sig selv. Der er en tilbøjelighed til selvbedrag og tro at dets advarsler og irettesættelser ikke gælder mig. "Hjertet er svigefuldt frem for alt, det er sygt, hvo kender det?" (Jeremias 17,9) Selvindbilskhed kan opfattes som en kristen sindsbevægelse og iver. Egenkærlighed og tillid kan forvisse os at vi er rigtige, skønt vi er langt fra at imødekomme Guds ords krav. - vidnesbyrd 5 332 (1885).