It would be a good contest amongst Christians, one to labour to give no offence, and the other to labour to take none. The best men are severe to themselves, tender over others.
Richard SibbesRead
When a man is to travel into a far country...one staff in his hand may comfortably support him, but a bundle of staves would be troublesome. Thus a competency of these outward things may happily help us in the way to heaven, whereas abundance may be hurtful.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Moderation in material possessions can aid one's spiritual journey, while excess may hinder it.
This quote suggests that while having some material support can be beneficial for one's journey in life, having too much can become a burden. It emphasizes the value of moderation and the idea that seeking a balance in our external possessions is crucial for our spiritual and personal development.
Themes
ModerationMaterialismSpiritualityAbundanceBalance
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on personal finance, to illustrate the importance of moderation.
More from Richard Sibbes
All quotes βThose that look to be happy must first look to be holy.
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In all their jollity in this world, the wicked are but as a book fairly bound, which when it is opened is full of nothing but tragedies. So when the book of their consciences shall be once opened, there is nothing to be read but lamentations and woes.
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Faith, whereby especially Christ rules, sets the soul so high that it looks down on all other things as far below, as having represented to it, by the Spirit of Christ, riches, honor, beauty and pleasures of a higher nature.
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