Sad to say, the insecure person constantly on the lookout for kavod and approval is solely dependent on others for his fulfillment. Happiness will thus continue to evade him, for feeling good about oneself must come from within.
The opinion of the Mishlei Avos is one for all of us to take to heart: A person on this earth is not his own boss – G-d is his Baal HaBayis. We pay for our sojourn in this world by way of mitzvos and maasim tovim. If we perform our good deeds for the sake of kavod, the Heavenly Court will not accept them as payment. Hence, the pursuit of honor chas v’sholom removes one from the world.
As Adar approaches, the month that celebrates both the birth and passing of Moshe Rabbeinu, we are reminded of the greatest prophet and most influential leader Klal Yisroel ever had. Moshe led us out of Mitzrayim, was granted the unique privilege of one-on-one communication with Hashem and appointed His spokesperson, yet our quintessential role model for the ages is touted most for … his humility and humble bearing.