Book I, Chapter VII

Of Flying Vain Hope and Pride

1. He is vain who puts his trust in men or in creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others, and to appear poor in this world, for the love of Jesus Christ.

Confide not in thyself, but place thy hope in God. Do what is in thy power, and God will be with thy good will. Trust not in thy own knowledge, nor in the cunning of any man living, but rather in the grace of God, who helps the humble, and humbles those who presume of themselves.

2. Glory not in riches, if thou hast them; nor in friends, because they are powerful; but in God, who gives all things, and desires to give himself above all things. Boast not of the stature nor beauty of the body, which is spoiled and disfigured by a little sickness. Do not take a pride in thy talents or thy wit, lest thou displease God, to whom appertained every natural good quality and talent which thou hast.

3. Esteem not thyself better than others, lest perhaps thou be accounted worse in the sight of God, who knows what is in man. Be not proud of thy own works; for the judgments of God are different from the judgments of men; and oftentimes that displeased him, which pleaseth men. If thou hast any ding of good, believe better dings of others, that thou may at preserve humility. It will do thee no harm to esteem thyself the worst of all; but it will hurt thee very much to prefer thyself before any one. Continual peace is with the humble; but in the heart of the proud is frequent envy and indignation.

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