Repentant harlots and publicans, nearer to the kingdom of heaven than pride, presumption or arrogance

All who have not been influenced by the principle of self-denial, have followed virtue merely from the love of praise.
Even those of the philosphers who have contended that virtue is desirable for its own sake, have been puffed up with so much arrogance, that it is evident they desire virtue for no other reason, than to give them a chance to exercise pride.
God is so far from being pleased either with those who are ambitous of popular praise, or with hearts full of pride and presumption, that he plainly tells “they have their reward” in this world and that (repentant) harlots and publicans are nearer to the kingdom of God than such persons. [John Calvin]