Spiritual Corner -- Thinking Humbly of Oneself

There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what would he profit with knowledge only and without the fear of God? An ordinary peasant who serves God is far better than a proud philosopher who only watches the stars without paying attention to his own soul. He who knows himself well will make light of himself and disregard praises of men. If I knew all the things in the world, but without charity, what would it help me before God, who is to judge me according to my deeds? You should not have too much desire for knowledge, or you may be much distracted and deceived. Those who have knowledge desire and appear to be learned, and to be called wise. Many things you want to learn have little profit or even nothing to save the soul. It is foolish to attend to other things rather than to those which serve to his soul's health. Too many words satisfy not the mind, but good deeds will refresh the soul, and a pure conscience will give great confidence towards God. The greater and more knowledge you possess, the more severely you shall be judged, unless you have lived holily. Therefore, do not be arrogant for any skill or knowledge you have; but rather there should be fear concerning the knowledge which is given to you. Even if it seems that you know many things, and understand them well, you should know that there are many more things which you do not know. “Be not highminded, but fear” (Romans 11: 20) Do not think too highly of yourself, but rather you should admit your ignorance. Why do you want to be higher than other people when there are so many who are more learned and skilled in the Scripture than yourself? If you want to learn something that is profitable to yourself, you should truly know and judge lowly of yourself and always think kindly and highly of others. This is great and perfect wisdom. Even if you see your neighbour sin openly or grievously, you should not reckon yourself better than he, for you do now know how long you can maintain your own integrity. All of us are weak and frail; but you should think that no man is weaker than yourself.

Yours,
Fr. John Wang
(Excerpt from “Imitation Of Christ”, Bk.1 Chap.2)