Self-confidence is dangerous. This is illustrated in the case of Peter, who thought that nothing could cause him to swerve from his allegiance to Christ (see Mark 14:31, 50, 67, 68, 70-72). All should heed the warning and be on guard continually, lest they be deceived by the suggestion that they have reached such a state of spiritual strength that nothing can lead them to sin. True safety lies only in the recognition of one’s absolute helplessness apart from Christ, and the constant need of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to deliver from sin (see John 14:26; John 15:4-7; 16:7-11, 13; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10). The admonition to “take heed” needs to be repeated frequently, for man is easily convinced that he is well able to take care of himself. Spiritual pride is a great deception, one in which it is easy for the tempter to lead the self-confident believer to fall into grievous sin (cf. 2 Sam. 11:1-4; Rom. 11:20). The exhortation to be constantly on the alert against the danger of spiritual pride is particularly appropriate to those who live in this period of the world’s history, when men are confronted daily with multiplied allurements to indulge in gratification of the carnal appetites (see Luke 21:34-36).

 Although the axiom here presented may be applied generally, its first application would be to the believers in Corinth who thought they were strong in regard to the use of food offered to idols and participation in idolatrous entertainments (see ch. 8:2, 4, 7, 9). Such men thought they had no need to fear the influence of associations with idolatry, but such self-confidence might be the forerunner of a grievous fall (see Prov. 16:18).

 This introduces the inference to be drawn from the admonitions given in vs. 6-11. It emphasizes the necessity for special attention to be given by Christians to the history of the wanderings of the children of Israel through the wilderness to Canaan. They should learn from the account of the tragic results of Israel’s self-confidence not to place dependence on their own strength, either mental or physical.