Against Vain Judgments of Men

Name: Against Vain Judgments of Men
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of grounding one's soul in God and not being swayed by the judgments of others. It asserts that human opinions are varied and unreliable, making it impossible to please everyone. The text encourages humility and trust in God over self-reliance, highlighting that true piety and innocence are recognized by one's conscience rather than by external validation. The author reflects on the experiences of Paul, who, despite his efforts to serve others and spread the faith, faced judgment and disdain. Paul’s response was to commit his struggles to God, relying on patience and humility to withstand criticism. The work advises against fearing human judgment, reminding readers of the transient nature of life and the ultimate authority of divine judgment. It encourages individuals to focus on their relationship with God rather than engaging in disputes or becoming defensive against detractors. The text reassures that enduring unjust suffering can lead to greater rewards, urging readers to maintain their faith and look to God for deliverance from confusion and harm. The overarching message is one of steadfastness in faith, resilience against worldly judgments, and the assurance of divine justice.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1517 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical, Religious · 382 words

First lines

"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,'93 yet nevertheless ‘with him it was a very small thing that he should be judged by man's judgment. ' "94

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Against Vain Judgments of Men is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1517 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1517 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical, Religious, Self-Help, Devotional
Length: 382 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and God, emphasizing faith, humility, and the importance of divine judgment over human opinion.
Philosophical — It explores themes of human judgment, the nature of opinion, and the moral implications of how one should respond to societal views.
Religious — The work is rooted in Christian doctrine, discussing the significance of trusting in God and the transient nature of human life.
Self-Help — It offers guidance on how to navigate personal challenges related to judgment and self-perception, promoting inner strength and resilience.