To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
Thomas AquinasRead
Give us, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give us an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; give us an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon us also, O Lord our God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote is a prayer for inner strength and moral integrity amidst challenges and temptations.
Thomas Aquinas's quote expresses a yearning for a heart that remains unwavering in the face of unworthy desires, hardships, and misguided intents. It calls upon God for the virtues of steadfastness, understanding, diligence, wisdom, and faithfulness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oneβs moral compass and seeking a deeper connection with the divine.
Themes
HeartSteadfastUnderstandingWisdomFaithfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of moral character in leadership.
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes βLaw is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
Thomas AquinasRead
Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
Thomas AquinasRead
A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
Thomas AquinasRead
We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.
Thomas AquinasRead
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
Thomas AquinasRead
Similar quotes
When I see the Confederate flag, I see the attempt to raise an empire in slavery. It really, really is that simple. I don't understand how anybody with any sort of education on the Civil War can see anything else.
Ta-Nehisi CoatesRead
One pretends to do something, or copy someone or some teacher, until it can be done confidently and easily in what becomes one's own style
Cary GrantRead
It is through exchange that difference becomes a blessing, not a curse.
Jonathan SacksRead
Safety from external danger is the most powerful director of national conduct. To be more safe, [nations] at length become willing to run the risk of being less free.
Alexander HamiltonRead
I no longer wield the power of the office for the government of the church, but in the service of prayer I remain, so to speak, within St. Peter's bounds. St. Benedict, whose name I bear as pope, shall be a great example in this for me. He showed us the way to a life which, active or passive, belongs wholly to the work of God.
Pope Benedict XviRead
Without holiness on earth we shall never be prepared to enjoy heaven. Heaven is a holy place. The Lord of heaven is a holy Being. The angels are holy creatures. Holiness is written on everything in heaven... How shall we ever be at home and happy in heaven if we die unholy?
J. C. RyleRead