Against vain judgments of men
“My Son, anchor thy soul firmly upon God, and fear not man’s judgment,
when conscience pronounceth thee pious and innocent. It is good and
blessed thus to suffer; nor will it be grievous to the heart which is
humble, and which trusteth in God more than in itself. Many men have
many opinions, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them. But
moreover it is impossible to please all. Although Paul studied to
please all men in the Lord, and to become all things to all men,(1) yet
nevertheless with him it was a very small thing that he should be
judged by man’s judgment.”(2)
2. He laboured abundantly, as much as in him lay, for the building up
and the salvation of others; but he could not avoid being sometimes
judged and despised by others. Therefore he committed all to God, who
knew all, and by patience and humility defended himself against evil
speakers, or foolish and false thinkers, and those who accused him
according to their pleasure. Nevertheless, from time to time he
replied, lest his silence should become a stumbling-block to those who
were weak.
3. “Who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die?
To-day he is, and to-morrow his place is not found. Fear God and thou
shalt not quail before the terrors of men. What can any man do against
thee by words or deeds? He hurteth himself more than thee, nor shall he
escape the judgment of God, whosoever he may be. Have thou God before
thine eyes, and do not contend with fretful words. And if for the
present thou seem to give way, and to suffer confusion which thou hast
not deserved, be not angry at this, nor by impatience diminish thy
reward; but rather look up to Me in heaven, for I am able to deliver
thee from all confusion and hurt, and to render to every man according
to his works.”
(1) 1 Corinthians ix. 22. (2) 1 Corinthians iv. 3.