How do we know that self-love leads to false teachings?

Paul begins his list of characteristics of false teachers with 'lovers of their own selves' in 2 Timothy 3:2. This self-love is crucial to understanding their behavior and motivations, as it serves as the foundation from which covetousness, boasting, pride, and ultimately false teachings emerge. Such preachers, motivated by self-interest, seek personal gain and popularity rather than the glory of God. Their need for self-affirmation often leads them to compromise truth for convenience, which results in the propagation of false teachings, fundamentally undermining the gospel message. A true understanding of the gospel yields a spirit of humility and gratitude instead of self-centeredness.