Chapter 02. Of thinking humbly of oneself (Book 1. Admonitions helpful for the spiritual life) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what is the good of knowledge without the fear of God? Better surely is a lowly peasant who serves God, than a proud philosopher who watches the stars and neglects the knowledge of himself. He who knows himself well is vile in his own sight; neither regards he the praises of men. If I knew all the things that are in the world, and were not in charity, what should it help me before God, who is to judge me according to my deeds?

2. Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned, and to be called wise. Many things there are to know which profits little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure is he who attends upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refreshes the mind, and a pure conscience gives great confidence towards God.

3. The greater and more complete your knowledge, the more severely will you be judged, unless you have lived in holiness. Therefore be not lifted up by any skill or knowledge that you have; but rather fear concerning the knowledge which is given to you. If it seems to you that you know many things, and understand them well, know also that there are many more things which you know not. Be not high-minded, but rather confess your ignorance. Why desire you to lift yourself above another, when there are found many more learned and more skilled in the Scripture than you? If you will know and learn anything with profit, love to be yourself unknown and to be counted for nothing.

4. That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man truly knows and judges lowly of himself. To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom. Even should you see your neighbor sin openly or grievously, yet you ought not to reckon yourself better than he, for you know not how long you will keep your integrity. All of us are weak and frail; hold you no man more frail than yourself.