Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Corinthians 4:7

7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? .

It is apparent that Pride was the reigning sin of many in this Church of Corinth: Pride, by reason of those parts and gifts wherein they excelled, whether they were natural or acquired habits, or common gifts of the Spirit, which were infused; to abate this tumor, the Apostle minds them to consider, whence they had these gifts from whence they took occasion so to exalt and prefer themselves.

Whether they were the Authors of them to themselves, or did receive them from God.

It became none of them to glory in what they had received from another, and were beholden to another for. What the Apostle here speaketh concerning natural or spiritual abilities, is applicable to all good things; and the consideration here prompted, is a potent consideration to abate the pride and swelling of a mans heart upon any account whatsoever; for there is nothing wherein a man differeth, or is distinguished from another, or wherein he excelleth another, but it is given him from God, be it riches, honour, natural or spiritual gifts and abilities, they are all received from the gift of God, who gives man a power to get wealth, Deut. 8.18. Who putteth down one, and setteth up another, Psal. 75.6. And as the Apostle saith in this Epistle, Chap. 12.7. gives the manifestation of the Spirit to every one to profit withal. To one by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge, to another faith, to another the gi[illegible: 1 letter]t of healing, &c. all by the same Spirit.

Marginal references: Or, distinguisheth thee.; Joh. 3.27. Jam. 1.17.