Of the Imitation of Christ/Book I/Chapter VII
CHAPTER VII.
OF VAIN HOPE AND PRIDE.
E is vain that putteth his trust in man, or in creatures.
Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world.
Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God.
Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thee.
Trust not in thine own knowledge, nor in the skill of any living creature; but rather in the grace of God, Who helpeth the humble, and bringeth down those that are proud.
2. Glory not in wealth if thou have it, nor in friends because they are powerful; but in God Who giveth all things, and Who desireth to give thee Himself above all.
Esteem not thyself for the height of thy stature nor for the beauty of thy person, which may be disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness.
Please not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God, to Whom appertaineth all the good whatsoever thou hast.
3. Esteem not thyself better than others, lest in the sight of God, Who knoweth what is in man, thou be accounted worse.
Be not proud of well-doing; for the judgment of God is different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth Him which pleaseth them.
If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humility.
It hurteth thee not to submit to all men: but it hurteth thee most of all to prefer thyself to any of them.
The humble enjoy continual peace, but in the heart of the proud is envy, and frequent indignation.