And therefore he that riseth against the feeling of fleshly liking in meat and drink, more fully and more sharply than against those of pride, or covetousness, or lechery, or envy (the which because they be more spiritual and less perceivable, seem perhaps less evil, and are less reprehended). I say that he is half-blind, for he seeth not his spiritual uncleannesses (as of pride and envy), how foul they are in God’s sight, for, I believe that if a man could see with his spiritual eye how foul pride and covetousness are in God’s sight, and how contrary they are to Him, he would more loathe a stirring of pride, and the vain liking of it; and also he would more abhor and rise against that evil will of envy, or anger to his neighbour than many a stirring or liking either of gluttony or of lechery. Nevertheless, all men do not think so, for commonly men are more shy or troubled to feel a stirring of fleshly sin, and have for it more sorrow and heaviness than for great likings in vain-glory or in other ghostly sins. But they are not wise; for if they would understand the holy Scriptures and sayings of doctors they should find it as I say, which I neither may nor will rehearse now.(John Climacus)

The Pharisees began by seeking spiritual wisdom through physical discipline. But many (not all) ended up proud of their discipline and further separated from spiritual wisdom.

The fleshly sins - gluttony, lechery, and lust - separate us from God and neighbor. But precisely because they are fleshly we are less likely to pretend to be pure.

How do we cultivate the same level of self-awareness for the more insidious sins of pride and envy? If we could choose, we ought welcome gluttony if we could trade it for pride.