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The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis
The Thirty-Sixth Chapter
THE VAIN JUDGMENTS OF MEN
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, trust firmly in the Lord, and do not fear the judgment of men when
conscience tells you that you are upright and innocent. For it is good and
blessed to suffer such things, and they will not weigh heavily on the humble
heart that trusts in God rather than in itself. Many men say many things, and
therefore little faith is to be put in them.
Likewise, it is impossible to satisfy all men. Although Paul tried to please all
in the Lord, and became all things to all men, yet he made little of their
opinions. He labored abundantly for the edification and salvation of others, as
much as lay in him and as much as he could, but he could not escape being
sometimes judged and despised by others. Therefore, he committed all to God Who
knows all things, and defended himself by his patience and humility against the
tongues of those who spoke unjustly or thought foolish things and lies, or made
accusations against him. Sometimes, indeed, he did answer them, but only lest
his silence scandalize the weak.
Who are you, then, that you should be afraid of mortal man? Today he is here,
tomorrow he is not seen. Fear God and you will not be afraid of the terrors of
men. What can anyone do to you by word or injury? He hurts himself rather than
you, and no matter who he may be he cannot escape the judgment of God. Keep God
before your eyes, therefore, and do not quarrel with peevish words.
If it seems, then, that you are worsted and that you suffer undeserved shame, do
not repine over it and do not lessen your crown by impatience. Look instead to
heaven, to Me, Who have power to deliver you from all disgrace and injury, and
to render to everyone according to his works.
