Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the dangers of spiritual pride and self-righteousness as significant flaws in human nature.
Jonathan Edwards emphasizes that spiritual pride and self-righteousness are among the most deceiving aspects of human nature. He warns that these vices can easily manipulate individuals due to their subtlety and the experience of evil, particularly as they relate to Satan, who understands these sins intimately. This insight serves as a reminder for individuals to remain humble and cautious about their spiritual conditions.
Themes
SpiritualityPrideSelf-RighteousnessDeceitHumility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a sermon to caution against spiritual pride.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes →Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
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So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
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Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
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True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
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Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.
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