Flagellants Need Not Apply

(Pro 19:8 KJV)  He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

This is a type of self-love that is not wrong.  It must mean a balanced appreciation.  He “loves” (157) in the right context and the right spirit.

This idea of loving is not narcissistic or self centered.  Consider this in terms of loving your neighbor as yourself.  There is a healthy sense of self worth that we need to maintain.  The idea of loving your neighbor as yourself assumes that you are not going around having a pity party or becoming a flagellant.  This is the idea that you provide clean water and nutritious food for yourself.  

It is hard to have healthy attitudes toward your neighbor if you don’t have it toward yourself.  It seems to be a condition for gaining wisdom.

So?  You do not deserve to look down on others but you do deserve to look them in the eye.