Of the three kinds of Pride. There are three, one of thought, that is when any one thinks himself more highly than he ought to think; against which it is said, ''Be not high-minded, but rather fear,’’ and which he denies to exist in himself who say, "Lord I am not high-minded, my looks are not proud.”
Another is of will, when anyone wants to be treated with more consideration than is his due; against which it is said, "How can ye believe who are receiving honor one from another?”
A third is in deed against which saith the Lord, "When thou art bidden to a feast sit not down in the highest place.” This, when a man treats himself better than he ought.
Against each of these forms many sayings are found in Holy Scripture, if they are sought out. Against all it is said, "Whosoever exalteth himself shall be humbled,” and "God resisteth the proud. And many other passages there are. Of these three, when each one is by itself that is the least which is in deed only, because it is done through ignorance alone, and yet since it is a fault it ought to be amended. Of the other two that which is in will alone is more to be condemned, because it errs knowingly. But that which is in thought is only the more foolish, since it does not manifest itself, and to itself appears quite just. * * *
If your prudence will frequently reconsider this, you will understand it more fully than is here set down.
~ St. Anselm
Another is of will, when anyone wants to be treated with more consideration than is his due; against which it is said, "How can ye believe who are receiving honor one from another?”
A third is in deed against which saith the Lord, "When thou art bidden to a feast sit not down in the highest place.” This, when a man treats himself better than he ought.
Against each of these forms many sayings are found in Holy Scripture, if they are sought out. Against all it is said, "Whosoever exalteth himself shall be humbled,” and "God resisteth the proud. And many other passages there are. Of these three, when each one is by itself that is the least which is in deed only, because it is done through ignorance alone, and yet since it is a fault it ought to be amended. Of the other two that which is in will alone is more to be condemned, because it errs knowingly. But that which is in thought is only the more foolish, since it does not manifest itself, and to itself appears quite just. * * *
If your prudence will frequently reconsider this, you will understand it more fully than is here set down.
~ St. Anselm
RSS Feed