Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers, placing his instruction immediately after calling them to be transformed by mind renewal. He speaks as an apostle acting under specific divine commission.

The words — The Greek λέγω (legō) literally means "I say," while χάριτος (charitos) denotes "grace." These terms ground the command in apostolic authority and unmerited divine enablement.

The thread — This warning against self-deception echoes Galatians 6:3 and Proverbs 26:12, while its humility theme aligns with Philippians 2:3. The instruction also directly introduces the body metaphor in Romans 12:4.

Why it lands — The text commands readers to replace inflated self-assessment with sober evaluation calibrated to God’s specific distribution of faith. It demands immediate self-correction before outlining communal roles.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Cross-references

Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Ecclesiastes 7:16 Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray.