- What is the difference between worldly knowledge and supernatural wisdom?
- Are you overly attached to the opinions of others?
- How do you react to criticism or insult?
- Does your “old self” within you still cling to vanity and pride?
Ch. 43: Against vain and worldly knowledge. [What does true knowledge look like? Thomas Kempis is writing to monks who dedicate their lives to study not only theology but also philosophy, literature, sciences, etc. But the highest things are the (supernatural) knowledge revealed by God.] Don't let people's pretty and sophisticated words sway you (1 Cor 4:20). Christ will give the final exam for each person's conscience.
Ch. 44: Not being interested in externals. You must be unlearned in many things and think of yourself as dead on the earth, as one for whom the whole world has been crucified (Gal 6:14). Turn a deaf ear to many things.
Ch. 45: You must not trust everyone; it is easy to be sloppy with words. Vain is the help of man (Ps 60:11; 108:12; 118:8-9; 146:3). Hope in human beings is vain (Ps 37:39). (It is foolish to put your trust in man.) We are weak and inconstant. We are nothing but frail human beings. I have learned lessons by my losses, hopefully for greater caution and not for greater naivete. I must be totally on guard for what I do not want to suffer. How good and peaceful it is not to say anything about other people, not to believe everything indiscriminately, not to repeat things to others easily, to reveal oneself only to a few. Flee from human appearances. [The old self has to die, but the old man is not dead yet. The proof is that you are still upset by what others say about you, by verbal attacks, by fear of human beings. Vanity has led more people away from God; courageous people to become cowards, principled people to become undisciplined and unprincipled.]
Ch. 46: Having confidence in God when verbal attacks occur. What are words except words. It is quite a small thing that you sometimes have to bear with words, seeing as you are not yet strong enough to tolerate violent blows (Jer 12:5). Why do such small things cut you to the heart, except that you are still in the flesh and pay more attention to people than you should? You are afraid to be looked down upon. Take a good look at yourself and you will recognize that the world is still alive in you, along with the vain love of pleasing people. It is obvious that you are not truly humble and the world is not crucified to you (Gal 6:14). God is the judge and knower of all secrets. Human testimony is often deceptive. God tries minds and hearts (Rev 2:23). God knows human frailty and depravity (perversity). I should have humbled myself in every rebuke and borne it meekly. No man living is righteous before you (Ps 143:2). [I should not pretend that words don't hurt and that it doesn't bother me.]
Thomas Kempis words are challenging and convicting. How can I ever do this? Discouragement and despair comes from the devil. Never despair. Always hope.
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