Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding oneself is essential for a true understanding of God.
This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of self-awareness and divine knowledge. John Calvin suggests that true wisdom arises from a profound understanding of both God and ourselves, implying that each influences and illuminates the other in a complex relationship that is not easily defined or separated.
Themes
Self-KnowledgeWisdomGodPhilosophyTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of self-reflection.
More from John Calvin
All quotes →The 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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