...the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.

Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, saw her need for a Savior. Luke 1:46-47 and verse 49 records this: "And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,..for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

If anyone had room to boast, Mary would be one of them. Read how it's recorded in the Bible: "...the angel Gabriel was sent forth from God...to a virgin...Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you...Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God.'"

But Mary didn't boast in herself because God opened her eyes to see her need for Him. Here's an excerpt of a commentary found on Bible Gateway of Mary's "Song of Praise."

Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives.

He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings,

while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. (emphasis mine)

Lord, keep me from losing sight of your redeeming plan. Thank you for correcting me when I behave self-sufficiently. Burn in me a desire above all others to live a life in you, through you and wholly dependant upon you.