Meiri, CHibbur Hateshuva 1:5
(loose translation with a bit of commentary already thrown in)
Pride divides into 4 levels. The first is called Arrogance, the second is called is called Authority, the third is called Dignity and the fourth - Self-worth.
The first is proper to avoid and one is obligated to distance it as much as possible. Those who possess it think that they are of greater stature than others, are smarter than they and hate anyone who opposes their position or their view.
The second is called Authority. This is someone who has no evil intent, but knowing his abilities and having been given an opportunity to exercise authority...will accumulate more power toward some worthy purpose. He will use the power for honest and true goals. It is not contradictory for such a person to also be called (at the same time) humble or (even) lowly.
Third level - it is Dignity. Such a one does not have inner pride so as to want to argue, to seek victory, to accrue honor. It is not a part of his nature, nor of his makeup. Still knowing his worth, he holds himself aloof from joining the common folk all the time, except as necessary and occasionally. His intention in all this is to preserve his station in life, so that people do not lower it in constant contact with him. This is an appropriate and necessary character trait, that every accomplished and honored person should possess. Of this trait the Sages spoke when they said:(Sotah 5a) "A Talmid Chacham must have an eighth or an eighth of pride", meaning a very little part. Rashi explains: 'It is necessary that he have a little pride".
The Fourth level befits the majority of people. It is to maintain a clear and pure opinion of oneself, not to sell himself to be be a "slave to low behaviors or to disgusting things. This is right for most peope - not to become so lowly as to come to not care for himself to the extent that he does lowly things and exhibits vulgar behavior.
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