How all the Words of God are to be Heard with Hu
The work emphasizes the importance of receiving divine words with humility and love, contrasting the eternal promises of God with the fleeting rewards of the world. It begins with a call to listen to God's teachings, which are described as sweeter and more profound than human wisdom. The text highlights the tendency of many to prioritize worldly desires over spiritual truths, illustrating a disconnect between the pursuit of temporal gains and the neglect of eternal life. The author critiques the human inclination to toil for trivial rewards while being reluctant to strive for the greater good promised by God. This disparity is presented as a source of shame, as individuals often invest more effort in serving worldly rulers than in obeying divine commands. The text urges readers to reflect on their priorities and the nature of their commitments, challenging them to consider the weight of their choices in light of eternal consequences. The narrative also addresses the dual nature of divine visitation, which includes both temptation and comfort. It suggests that through these experiences, individuals are taught to recognize their faults and encouraged to grow in grace. The importance of internalizing God's words is stressed, as they provide guidance during times of trial and temptation. A prayer for devotion encapsulates the themes of humility and reliance on divine grace. The speaker acknowledges their own insignificance and the necessity of God's mercy for strength and guidance. The prayer reflects a deep yearning for divine presence and instruction, emphasizing the need for humility in one's spiritual journey. Overall, the work serves as a reminder of the significance of listening to and internalizing divine teachings, urging readers to prioritize their spiritual lives over worldly distractions. It calls for a sincere commitment to faith, encouraging a humble approach to understanding and living out God's words.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1516 · Genre: Religious Literature, Devotional, Philosophical · 840 words
First lines
"My Son, hear My words, for My words are most sweet, surpassing all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of this world. ‘My words are spirit, and they are life,'49 and are not to be weighed by man's understanding. They are not to be drawn forth for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and with deep love."
And I said, " ‘Blessed is the man whom Thou teachest, O Lord, and instructest him in Thy law, that Thou mayest give him rest in time of adversity,'50 and that he be not desolate in the earth."
What this Textopian page supports
How all the Words of God are to be Heard with Humility, and how Many Consider them Not is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1516 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1516 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Literature, Devotional, Philosophical, Spiritual, Theological
- Length: 840 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for How all the Words of God are to be Heard with Humility, and how Many Consider them Not by Thomas à Kempis
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Of The Imitation Of Christ And Of Contempt Of The World And All Its Vanities by Thomas A. Kempis
- That True Solace Is To Be Sought In God Alone by Thomas A. Kempis
- On The Contemplation Of Human Misery by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Profitable To Communicate Often by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Must Rest In God Above All Goods And Gifts by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Meditation Upon The Hidden Judgments Of God That We May Not Be Lifted Up Because Of Our Well Doing by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Religious Literature — The text focuses on divine communication, humility, and spiritual teachings, central to religious discourse.
- Devotional — The work emphasizes personal devotion, prayer, and the importance of receiving God's words with humility.
- Philosophical — It engages with themes of knowledge, understanding, and the contrast between worldly and divine wisdom.
- Spiritual — The text explores spiritual growth, temptation, and the relationship between the believer and God.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Devotional · Meditation · Humility · Faith · Religion · Philosophy · Theology · Moral Guidance · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis