The Imitation of Christ

 Internal Consolation

Book III - The Twenty-Fourth Chapter


Modern Version

Rev. William Benham's Translation

AVOIDING CURIOUS INQUIRY ABOUT THE LIVES OF OTHERS

THE VOICE OF CHRIST

    MY CHILD, do not be curious. Do not trouble yourself with idle cares. What matters this or that to you? Follow Me. What is it to you if a man is such and such, if another does or says this or that? You will not have to answer for others, but you will have to give an account of yourself. Why, then, do you meddle in their affairs?

    Behold, I know all men. I see everything that is done under the sun, and I know how matters stand with each -- what is in his mind and what in his heart and the end to which his intention is directed. Commit all things to Me, therefore, and keep yourself in good peace. Let him who is disturbed be as restless as he will. Whatever he has said or done will fall upon himself, for he cannot deceive Me.

    Do not be anxious for the shadow of a great name, for the close friendship of many, or for the particular affection of men. These things cause distraction and cast great darkness about the heart. I would willingly speak My word and reveal My secrets to you, if you would watch diligently for My coming and open your heart to Me. Be prudent, then. Watch in prayer, and in all things humble yourself.

Of avoiding of curious inquiry into the life of another

"My Son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with vain cares. What is that to thee?  Follow thou Me.(1)  For what is it to thee whether a man be this or that, or say or do thus or thus?  Thou hast no need to answer for others, but thou must give an answer for thyself.  Why therefore dost thou entangle thyself?  Behold, I know all men, and I behold all things which are done under the sun; and I know how it standeth with each one, what he thinketh, what he willeth, and to what end his thoughts reach.  All things therefore are to be committed to Me; watch thou thyself in godly peace, and leave him who is unquiet to be unquiet as he will. Whatsoever he shall do or say, shall come unto him, for he cannot deceive Me.

2. "Trouble not thyself about the shadow of a great name, nor about the friendship of many, nor about the love of men towards thee.  For these things beget distraction and great sorrows of heart.  My word should speak freely unto thee, and I would reveal secrets, if only thou didst diligently look for My appearing, and didst open unto Me the gates of thy heart.  Be sober and watch unto prayer,(2) and humble thyself in all things."

  (1) John xxi. 12.  

(2) 1 Peter iv. 7.