King James Bible
"Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
Paul warns against seeking empty honor or reputation that lacks substance. In the Galatian context, this addresses those who might boast in religious achievements or social status, contrasting with the Spirit-led life he just described in previous verses. Such vain ambition leads to challenging others competitively, stirring up conflict through comparison or one-upmanship. The Greek term suggests deliberately irritating or calling others out to prove superiority. The pursuit of vain glory also breeds jealousy when others receive the recognition we crave. Paul shows how pride and envy work as twin vices, disrupting the unity and love that should characterize Christian community.