It is not correct for a person to chase after glory, for its evil is great and will finish in confusion. The rule is that if one chases after glory, glory flees from him. Even if they give him honor, he should flee from it like one fleeing from a sword, for he is very likely to fall into the trap of haughtiness, and to be abominated by Hashem. At the time when he is fleeing from glory he should not think in his mind that really it is fitting that he should receive honor but is fleeing from it in order that the honor should chase him, as in this case this “humble man” has put on clothes of haughtiness, and his end will not be achieved for the honor will not chase after him, rather it will surely flee.
The obligation is to be a truly humble person, and to believe with the full belief, that he does not deserve any honor in the world according to the triviality of his worth, the shortness of his accomplishments and the terribleness of his sins. Even if it appears to him that there are other people who are worse and bigger sinners than him, he should not seek greatness or desire honor from them, for the scales of justice are in the hands of Hashem, and each person is judged according to his potential, and according to the magnitude of goodness given to him from heaven, so too does his obligation grow.
However, one who is appointed to a position of authority over the general public, should insist a little on his outward honor, so that his fear will rest on the general public, all according to the scales and straight thinking sevenfold.
