Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When Paul urges believers to "associate with the lowly," he's not just talking about being friendly to those in lower social classes. The original Greek suggests a deeper idea: allowing yourself to be "carried along with" them, meaning to be drawn into their experiences and to let their needs shape your perspective. This isn't about a patronizing gesture, but a genuine yielding of your own preferences and ambitions to find common ground and shared purpose with all people, especially those overlooked by society.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical ways within the community and in the world. Following his exhortations on genuine love, hospitality, and blessing enemies, he urges believers toward unity and humility, contrasting this with self-importance and pride. This passage is part of a larger section detailing the Christian life and conduct, emphasizing that true faith should be evident in everyday actions and attitudes.
Paul urges believers to 'associate with the lowly.' What does this truly mean? Is it about pity, or something deeper?
The original Greek word used here, sunapagomenoi, carries a powerful sense of being 'carried along with' or 'drawn into sympathy.' It's not about looking down on others from a position of superiority, but rather about being willing to be influenced and led by those in humble circumstances.
Beyond Pity
Think about it: Instead of seeking out the influential and powerful, Paul calls believers to embrace the company and perspective of the less prominent. This might mean the poor, the marginalized, or those with simpler needs. It’s an active engagement, a willingness to be drawn into their world and understand their experiences.
This isn't a call to a patronizing charity, but a genuine fellowship. It means allowing the 'lowly' to shape our understanding and actions, recognizing that God often reveals truth through unexpected channels. It’s about breaking down social barriers within the community of faith and embracing a shared humanity.
We're warned, 'Never be wise in your own sight.' How does this inner arrogance threaten our spiritual lives and relationships?
The phrase 'wise in your own sight' points to a dangerous self-sufficiency. It’s the internal voice that says, 'I've got this,' or 'I know best,' shutting down any need for outside counsel or divine guidance.
Closing the Door to Growth
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When we are 'wise in our own conceits,' we become closed off. We can no longer truly listen to others, especially those who might offer a different perspective or gentle correction. This attitude prevents humility and stunts spiritual growth. It’s the opposite of being teachable, which is a cornerstone of following Christ.
This self-reliance doesn't just affect our personal walk; it fractures community. If everyone believes they alone hold the correct 'wisdom,' harmony becomes impossible. Instead of mutual support and learning, we get division and pride.
Understand the original words
phroneō · Greek Verb
The state of being in agreement, accord, or unified mindset, reflecting the unity of the Spirit within the body of Christ.
hypsēlos · Greek Adjective
An attitude of pride or thinking of oneself as superior to others, forbidden for believers who are called to humility.
tapeinos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Referring to people of humble status or those in lowly circumstances; believers are commanded to show them fellowship and equality.
c. 50s AD— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers, from Corinth or Ephesus. He addresses issues of faith, sin, and God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles, culminating in practical instructions for Christian living.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expels many Jews from Rome, potentially impacting the early Christian community there, which was largely composed of Jewish believers at this time. This event may have caused disruption and scattering among the Roman Christians.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute the Christian community. This period of intense suffering and suspicion would have tested the believers' unity and their ability to live out their faith.
This passage speaks directly to the caution against haughtiness and self-conceit mentioned in Romans 12:16, highlighting a heart that is not lifted up nor has haughty eyes.
Proverbs 3:7This verse shares a strong conceptual parallel with Romans 12:16's admonition 'Never be wise in your own sight,' urging one not to be wise in his own eyes but to fear the Lord.
Philippians 2:3This passage echoes the humility and consideration for others in Romans 12:16, instructing believers not to act out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility to count others more significant than themselves.
1 Peter 3:8This verse reinforces the call for harmony and mutual regard found in Romans 12:16, encouraging believers to be of one mind, sympathetic, brotherly, tenderhearted, and humble.
Galatians 2:13While this passage uses a similar Greek word ('sunapagomenoi') in a negative context (hypocrisy), it helps to understand the nuance of being 'carried away' or influenced, which in Romans 12:16 is to be directed towards the lowly, not towards sinful compromise.
vincentRomans 12:16: "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."
Condescend to men of low estate (τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι)Rev., to things that are lowly. Τοῖς ταπεινοῖς to the lowly may mean either lowly men or lowly things. The verb literally means being carried off along with; hence yielding or submitting to, and so condescending. Compare Galatians 2:13, and see on 2 Peter 3:17, in which passages it…
barnesRomans 12:16: "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."
Be of the same mind ... - This passage has been variously interpreted. "Enter into each other's circumstances, in order to see how you would yourself feel." Chrysostom. "Be agreed in your opinions and views." Stuart. "Be united or agreed with each other." Flatt; compare Philippians 2:2 ; 2 Corinthians 13:11 . A literal translation of the Greek will…
When Paul urges believers to "associate with the lowly," he's not just talking about being friendly to those in lower social classes. The original Greek suggests a deeper idea: allowing yourself to be "carried along with" them, meaning to be drawn into their experiences and to let their needs shape your perspective. This isn't about a patronizing gesture, but a genuine yielding of your own preferences and ambitions to find common ground and shared purpose with all people, especially those overlooked by society.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical ways within the community and in the world. Following his exhortations on genuine love, hospitality, and blessing enemies, he urges believers toward unity and humility, contrasting this with self-importance and pride. This passage is part of a larger section detailing the Christian life and conduct, emphasizing that true faith should be evident in everyday actions and attitudes.
Paul is instructing believers on how to live out their faith in practical ways within the community and in the world. Following his exhortations on genuine love, hospitality, and blessing enemies, he urges believers toward unity and humility, contrasting this with self-importance and pride. This passage is part of a larger section detailing the Christian life and conduct, emphasizing that true faith should be evident in everyday actions and attitudes.
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." — When Paul urges believers to "associate with the lowly," he's not just talking about being friendly to those in lower social classes. The original Greek suggests a deeper idea: allowing yourself to b…
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Last reviewed October 2026