If you wish to attain to true knowledge of the Scriptures, hasten to acquire first an unshakeable humility of heart. That alone will lead you, not to the knowledge that puffs up, but to that which enlightens, by the perfecting of love.
Interpretation
True knowledge of the Scriptures requires humility and love, rather than arrogance.
This quote emphasizes that genuine understanding of the Scriptures is not achieved through mere intellectual pursuit, but rather through cultivating a humble heart. Such humility fosters love, which ultimately leads to enlightenment and a deeper connection with the wisdom contained in sacred texts.
In practice
In a sermon about the importance of approaching faith with humility.
We are often indifferent to our brethren who are distressed or upset, on the grounds that they are in this state through no fault of ours. The Doctor of souls, however, wishing to root out the soul's excuses from the heart, tells us to leave our gift and to be reconciled not only if we happen to be upset by our brother, but also if he is upset by us, whether justly or unjustly; only when we have healed the breach through our apology should we offer our gift.
...we must first scrutinize thoroughly anything appearing in our hearts or any saying suggested to us. Has it come purified from the divine and heavenly fire of the Holy Spirit? Or does it lean toward Jewish superstition? Is its surface piety something which has come down from bloated worldly philosophy? We must examine this most carefully, doing as the apostle bids us: 'Do not believe in every spirit, but make sure to find out if spirits are from God'.
The Doctor of our souls has placed the remedy in the hidden regions of the soul.
You create a good future by creating a good present.
Ultimate freedom is a man's right to choose his attitude.
There is only one you. God wanted you to be you. Don't you dare change just because you're outnumbered!
A jealous person is doubly unhappy-over what he has, which is judged inferior, and over which he has not, which is judged superior. Such a person is doubly removed from knowing the true blessing of creation.
When I was a kid, I got in trouble for lying a lot, and I had a teacher say, 'Instead of lying, write it down, because if you write it down, it's not a lie anymore; it's fiction.'
Great ideas come from everywhere if you just listen and look for them. You never know who's going to have a great idea.
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