1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence (KJV).

Then: Oof! Paul hit them in the solar plexus. No matter which leader they praised or put down (Cephas, Apollos, Paul), they were always standing in the presence of God. He created everyone and what might he think of someone denigrating his servant? If the Corinthians thought their leader was best and were pridefully strutting with that banner, Paul says, "Quit it." Not one of his servants was called from self-created greatness. All came from nothing. Self-glory has no place in front of the Lord.

Now: Too often we forget we stand in God's presence and never leave his side. Henry reminds us that the gospel is uniquely suited to bringing down the pride of Jews and Greeks (i.e., all of us). Sometimes our tongues speak words which put down others for the unstated purpose of raising our own value. We need Paul's teaching - "No flesh should glory in his presence." We need to ask the Lord to make us aware of our hidden motives and actions so that impurities can be eradicated. Not easy, but possible through prayer.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.ii.html.