Chapter IV.—I have need of humility.
I have great knowledge in God,265 but I restrain myself, lest, I should perish through
boasting. For now it is needful for me to be the more fearful; and not give heed to those that
puff me up. For they that speak to me [in the way of commendation] scourge me. For I do
indeed desire to suffer, but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For this longing, though it is
not manifest to many, all the more vehemently assails me.266 I therefore have need of
meekness, by which the prince of this world is brought to nought.
But I measure myself, that I may not perish through boasting: but it is good to glory in
the Lord.267 And even though I were established268 in things pertaining to God, yet then
would it befit me to be the more fearful, and not give heed to those that vainly puff me up.
For those that commend me scourge me. [I do indeed desire to suffer269], but I know not
if I be worthy to do so. For the envy of the wicked one is not visible to many, but it wars
against me. I therefore have need of meekness, by which the devil, the prince of this world,
is brought to nought.
265 Literally, “I know many things in God.”
266 A different turn altogether is given to this passage in the longer recension.
267 1 Cor. i. 31.
268 Or, “confirmed.”
269 Omitted in the ms.
Chapter IV.—I have need of humility.
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Chapter IV.—I have need of humility.