2 Corinthians 10:12

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

(v12, NIV)

There are many people who compare themselves with others. In fact, I do it all the time and I shouldn't. We compare to see who's better in a way of priding ourselves so we can boast. We should know that it is wrong to do so. The people who do that are unwise. This way of measuring can also produce in us a false sense of security. For example, you might do something bad like steal a candy bar from the store. However, in comparing yourself to a convict who got caught robbing a bank you consider yourself better than him. In this comparison you may begin to think that it's okay to steal the candy bar since you're not robbing a bank. We know that we are to compare ourselves to God. He is the one true standard that we could never measure up to and in doing so we realize the error in our ways. Does comparing to others produce anything good? More specifically, does comparing like these people who try to "commend themselves" (v12, NIV) benefit us? They are boasting in themselves which will eventually lead to a letdown. Sooner or later you'll become ashamed of your boasting. In addition, this pride that stirs in you is wrong and will lead you astray. Don't boast in yourself. Boast in God.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV)