Who hath a stronger battle than he that useth force to overcome himself? This should be our occupation, to overcome ourselves and every day to be stronger and somewhat holier. Meek knowing of thyself is more acceptable to God than deep inquiry after knowledge. Knowledge or bare and simple knowing of things is not to be blamed, the which, in itself considered, is good and ordained of God: but a good conscience and a virtuous life is ever to be preferred. And forasmuch as many people study more to have knowledge than to live well, therefore ofttimes they err and bring forth little fruit or none. Certainly at the day of doom it shall not be asked of us what we have read but what we have done; nor what good we have spoken but how religiously we have lived. Verily he is great that in himself is little and meek and setteth at naught all height of honour. Verily he is great that hath great love. Verily he is prudent that deemeth all earthly things foul so that he may win Christ. And he is verily well learned that doth the will of God and forsaketh his own will. OF WISDOM IN MAN'S ACTIONS It is not fit to give credence to every word nor to every suggestion, but every thing is to be weighed according to God, warily and in leisure. Alas, rather is evil believed of another man than good; we are so weak. But the perfect believe not easily all things that men tell, for they know man's infirmity, ready to speak evil and careless enough in words. Hereto it belongeth also not to believe every man's words, nor to tell other men what we hear or carelessly believe. Have thy counsel with a wise man and a man of conscience and seek rather to be taught by thy betters than to follow thine own inventions. Good life maketh a man wise in God's sight and expert in many things. The more meek that a man is and the more subject to God the more wise shall he be in all things--and the more patient. OF READING THE SCRIPTURES Truth is to be sought in holy writings, not in eloquence. Every holy writing ought to be read with the same spirit wherewith it was made. We ought in Scriptures rather to seek profitableness than subtle language. We ought as gladly to read simple and devout books as high and profound ones. Let not the authority of him that writeth, whether he be of great name or little, change thy thought, but let the love of pure truth draw thee to read. Ask not who said this, but take heed what is said. Man passeth, but the truth of the Lord abideth everlastingly. God speaketh to us in diverse ways without respect to persons. If thou wilt draw profit in reading, read meekly, simply and truly, not desiring to have a reputation for knowledge. OF INORDINATE AFFECTIONS Whenever a man coveteth anything inordinately, anon is he disquieted in himself. The proud man and covetous hath never rest: the poor and the meek in spirit dwell in peace.