That we Must not Believe Everyone, and that we a

Name: That we Must not Believe Everyone, and that we are Prone to Fall in our Words
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the fragility of human trust and the inherent deceitfulness of people. It begins with a plea for divine assistance, acknowledging the futility of relying on human support. The author reflects on personal experiences of misplaced trust, highlighting the rarity of true faithfulness among friends. The text underscores the importance of placing trust solely in God, who is depicted as the ultimate source of truth and stability. The narrative warns against the dangers of believing in the words of others, suggesting that human beings are often unreliable and prone to deception. It cites the wisdom of being cautious and discerning, advising against the acceptance of superficial truths. The author expresses regret for past naivety and emphasizes the need for vigilance in relationships, particularly in guarding against betrayal and gossip. Silence is portrayed as a virtue, with the author advocating for discretion in sharing information about others. The text promotes the idea of seeking divine approval over human admiration, suggesting that true safety and grace come from a humble and inward-focused life. The work concludes with a reminder of the constant struggle against temptation and the importance of maintaining a steadfast heart grounded in faith. Overall, it serves as a meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the necessity of divine reliance.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1516 · Genre: Spiritual/Religious, Philosophical, Devotional · 821 words

First lines

"Lord, be thou my help in trouble, for vain is the help of man. "104 How often have I failed to find faithfulness, where I thought I possessed it. How many times I have found it where I least expected. Vain therefore is hope in men, but the salvation of the just, O God, is in Thee. Blessed be thou, O Lord my God, in all things which happen unto us. We are weak and unstable, we are quickly deceived and quite changed.

What this Textopian page supports

That we Must not Believe Everyone, and that we are Prone to Fall in our Words 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: Spiritual/Religious, Philosophical, Devotional, Self-help, Meditative
Length: 821 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Spiritual/Religious — The text focuses on faith, trust in God, and the nature of human frailty, which are central themes in spiritual and religious literature.
Philosophical — The work explores deep questions about trust, human nature, and the wisdom of caution, aligning with philosophical inquiry.
Devotional — The text serves as a prayerful reflection, encouraging readers to seek divine guidance and maintain a humble heart.
Self-help — It offers insights on personal conduct, caution in relationships, and the importance of inner strength, akin to self-help literature.