Chapter 2

CHAPTER II

Of thinking humbly of oneself

There is naturally in every man a desire to know, but what

profiteth knowledge without the fear of God? Better of a surety

is a lowly peasant who serveth God, than a proud philosopher who

watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. He

who knoweth himself well is vile in his own sight; neither

regardeth 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 profiteth little or nothing to the soul. And foolish

out of measure is he who attendeth upon other things rather than

those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not

the soul, but a good life refresheth the mind, and a pure

conscience giveth great confidence towards God.

3. The greater and more complete thy knowledge, the more severely

shalt thou be judged, unless thou hast lived holily. Therefore

be not lifted up by any skill or knowledge that thou hast; but

rather fear concerning the knowledge which is given to thee. If

it seemeth to thee that thou knowest many things, and

understandest them well, know also that there are many more

things which thou knowest not. Be not high-minded, but rather

confess thine ignorance. Why desirest thou to lift thyself above

another, when there are found many more learned and more skilled

in the Scripture than thou? If thou wilt know and learn anything

with profit, love to be thyself unknown and to be counted for

nothing.

4. That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man

truly knoweth and judgeth 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 shouldest thou see thy

neighbor sin openly or grievously, yet thou oughtest not to

reckon thyself better than he, for thou knowest not how long

thou shalt keep thine integrity. All of us are weak and frail;

hold thou no man more frail than thyself.