e is vain who puts his hope in man,† or in creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ, nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon yourself, but place your hope in God.† Do what lies in you, and God will assist your good will. Trust neither in your own knowledge,† nor in the subtlety of any living creature, but rather in the grace of God, who helps the humble, and humbles the proud.
Glory not in wealth if you have it, nor in friends because they are powerful, but in God who gives all things, and above all desires to give you Himself.
Extol not yourself for the height of your stature, or the beauty of your person, which is disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness. Take not pleasure in your natural gifts, or talent, lest you displease God, who has given you all your natural abilities. Esteem not yourself better than others,† lest perhaps in the sight of God, who knows what is in man, you be accounted worse than they. Be not proud of good works, † for the judgements of God are different from the judgements of men, and that often offends Him which pleases men. If there be any good in you, believe better things of others, that you may preserve humility. It does not hurt