Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
men are undoubtedly more in danger from prosperity than from adversity. for when matters go smoothly, they flatter themselves, and are intoxicated by their success
Interpretation
What this quote means
Prosperity can lead to complacency and overconfidence, which are more dangerous than facing hardships.
John Calvin's quote highlights the paradox that abundance and success can pose greater risks to individuals than challenges or adversity. When people experience prosperity, they often become self-satisfied and may lose their sense of caution and humility, leading them to make poor decisions or take unnecessary risks. In contrast, adversity can foster resilience and personal growth, making it a necessary part of the human experience.
Themes
ProsperityAdversityComplacencySuccessHuman Experience
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of humility in success.
More from John Calvin
All quotes βThe pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
John CalvinRead
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
John CalvinRead
Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
John CalvinRead
For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
John CalvinRead
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
John CalvinRead
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