Of prudence in our doings.

From Thomas à Kempis, The Following of Christ, tr. Richard Challoner (15th ed., London: Keating, Brown and Co., 1819). Wording reflects its time. Public domain; the text is given word for word as printed.

1. We must not be easy in giving credit to every word or suggestion; but carefully and leisurely weigh the matter according to God.

Alas! such is our weakness, that we often more readily believe and speak of another that which is evil: than that which is good.

But perfect men do not easily give credit to every report; because they know man's weakness, which is very prone to evil, and very subject to fail in words.

2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in our doings: nor to maintain too obstinately our own opinion.

As also not to believe every man's word; nor presently to tell others the things which we have heard or believed.

Consult with the wise and conscientious man: and seek rather to be instructed by one that is better, than to follow thine own inventions.

A good life make's a man wise according to God, and expert in many things. The more humble a man is in himself, and more subject to God: the more wise will he be in all things, and the more at peace.

← Book I, Chapter III · Contents · Book I, Chapter V →

Also in the free Liturgical Living app's Spiritual Classics shelf, offline: Android · iPhone.