Of avoiding of curious inquiry into the life of another
“My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares. _What is
that to thee? Follow thou Me._(1) For what is it to thee whether a man
be this or that, or say or do thus or thus? Thou hast no need to answer
for others, but thou must give an answer for thyself. Why therefore
dost thou entangle thyself? Behold, I know all men, and I behold all
things which are done under the sun; and I know how it standeth with
each one, what he thinketh, what he willeth, and to what end his
thoughts reach. All things therefore are to be committed to Me; watch
thou thyself in godly peace, and leave him who is unquiet to be unquiet
as he will. Whatsoever he shall do or say, shall come unto him, for he
cannot deceive Me.
2. “Trouble not thyself about the shadow of a great name, nor about the
friendship of many, nor about the love of men towards thee. For these
things beget distraction and great sorrows of heart. My word should
speak freely unto thee, and I would reveal secrets, if only thou didst
diligently look for My appearing, and didst open unto Me the gates of
thy heart. Be sober and watch unto prayer,(2) and humble thyself in all
things.”
(1) John xxi. 22. (2) 1 Peter iv. 7.