Galatians 5:26

“Let us not be desirous of vain glory, etc..] Ambitious of being thought wiser, and richer, and more valuable than others; of having the preeminence in the management of all affairs, and of having honour, esteem, and popular applause from men: this may well be called vain glory, since it is only in outward things, as wisdom, riches, strength, and honour, and not in God the giver of them, and who can easily take them away; and therefore is but for a time, and is quickly gone, and lies only in the opinion and breath of men. Provoking one another; not to good works, which would be right, but to anger and wrath, which is contrary to Christian charity, or true love; which, as it is not easily…”

“Greek, "Let us not BECOME." While not asserting that the Galatians are "vainglorious" now, he says they are liable to become so. provoking one another--an effect of "vaingloriousness" on the stronger: as "envying" is its effect on the weaker. A danger common both to the orthodox and Judaizing Galatians. Next: Galatians Chapter 6”

“Let us not be desirous of vainglory - The word used here (κενόδοξοι kenodoxoi) means “proud” or “vain” of empty advantages, as of birth, property, eloquence, or learning. The reference here is probably to the paltry competitions which arose on account of these supposed advantages. It is possible that this might have been one cause of the difficulties existing in the churches of Galatia, and the apostle is anxious wholly to check and remove it. The Jews prided themselves on their birth, and people are everywhere prone to overvalue the supposed advantages of birth and blood. The doctrines of Paul are, that on great and most vital respects people are on a level; that these things contribute…”

“Be not desirous of vain glory - Of the praise or esteem of men. They who do not carefully and closely follow the Spirit, easily slide into this: the natural effects of which are, provoking to envy them that are beneath us, and envying them that are above us. Next: Galatians Chapter 6”

“5:26 The Galatian church was apparently having trouble with factions (see also study note on 5:20; cp. 1 Cor 3) instead of following the Spirit’s leading.”

“desirous: Luk 14:10; Co1 3:7; Phi 2:1-3; Jam 4:16 provoking: Gal 5:15; Jam 3:14-16; Pe1 5:5 Next: Galatians Chapter 6”