John Calvin Commentary Galatians 6:3

"For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." — Galatians 6:3 (ASV)

They are not only unworthy of the smallest and most inconsiderable reward, but deserve to be wholly condemned, because they are always stained by many blemishes; and what have pollutions to do with the presence of God?

For if a man think himself. There is an ambiguity in the construction, but Paul’s meaning is clear. The phrase, When he is nothing, appears at first glance to mean, “if any person, who is in reality nothing, claims to be something”; as there are many men of no real worth who are elated by a foolish admiration of themselves.

But the meaning is more general and may be expressed as follows: “Since all men are nothing, he who wishes to appear something, and persuades himself that he is somebody, deceives himself.”

First, then, he declares that we are nothing. By this, he means that we have nothing of our own of which we have a right to boast, but are destitute of everything good, so that all our glorying is mere vanity.

Secondly, he infers that those who claim something as their own deceive themselves.

Now, since nothing excites our indignation more than that others should impose upon us, it shows the height of folly that we should willingly impose upon ourselves. This consideration will make us much more candid toward others.

From where do fierce insult or haughty sternness come, if not from this: that everyone exalts himself in his own estimation and proudly despises others? Let arrogance be removed, and we will all find the greatest modesty in our conduct toward each other.