Holier Than Thou

John Owen, John Owen Quotes

Let now the proud Pharisee come and boast his righteousness, his duties, his worship, and performances;–the eye of God is on the poor creature behind the door, that is crying, “God be merciful to me, a sinner;” that is, giving himself up to sovereign mercy, and following after him upon that account. We have got a holiness that puffeth up, that in some hath little other fruit but “Stand from me; I am holier than thou.” God delights not in it. It is a hard thing to excel in humble walking; it [i.e., to excel, distinction] is easier obtained by other ways; but God delights not in them.

~John Owen

from a sermon entitled Of Walking Humbly With God, volume 9 of Works, page 126

On this day...

Leave a Comment