The Danger of Trusting Our Own Judgment

For it has often been proved that what the apostle says really happens: “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” So he deceitfully spreads a confusing and foul darkness over the thoughts in place of the true light of knowledge. These thoughts must be received in a humble and gentle heart and kept for the consideration of some more experienced brother or tested elder, and then, when they have been thoroughly sifted by their judgment, either rejected or accepted by us. Unless this is done, we are sure to revere in our thoughts an angel of darkness instead of an angel of light, and to be struck down with grievous destruction. [a]

No one who trusts his own judgment can avoid this injury, unless he becomes a lover and follower of true humility, and with all crushing sorrow of heart fulfills what the apostle prays for above all: “If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any tender mercy, fulfill my joy, that you be of one mind, having the same love, being of one accord, doing nothing out of contention or empty glory, but in humility each counting others better than himself.” And this: “In honor preferring one another.” So each should think more highly of his companion’s knowledge and holiness, and hold that the better part of true discernment is to be found in another’s judgment rather than in his own.