ONE OF THE most subtle signs of the pharisee within anyone of us is whenever we study, hear the Word of God and immediately assume it is for such and such a person, the one that has ‘offended’ us. God’s Word is foremost to censure and search me out – “Is it me?” not, “What a powerful message for that mean and horrible person!” Will I first “before the Ineffable appear, and on my naked spirit bear the uncreated Beam”? The self righteous cease to plead, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me…”

 – M.A. Williams