XI: Culpable Goodness explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Power of Speech and Gossip

  The chapter warns against censorious speech and uncharitable judgments that cause one's good to be evil spoken of.

• Cheerfulness and Resilience

  Advocates for warmth and heartiness in service, contrasting cold duty with loving, cheerful religion.

• Love and Generosity

  Emphasizes Christian charity, forbearance, and the importance of love over mere duty-doing.

Characters to notice

• Paul

  Quoted and cited as an example of Christian moderation and gentlemanly conduct, especially in his letter to Philemon.

• R. L. Stevenson

  Quoted for his remark that religion should not fill a man with bile.

• John Bunyan

  Referenced for his phrase 'grievous crab-tree cudgel' in the context of blunt speech.

• Jesus Christ

  Implied as the model for forbearance and charity, and referenced in the phrase 'followers of Christ' and 'Christlike.'

Key passages

• “Let not then your good be evil spoken of.”

  Do not allow your virtuous actions to be slandered or criticized.

  Opening verse from Romans 14:16, setting the chapter's theme.

• “Judge not; the workings of his brain And of his heart thou canst not see. What looks, to thy dim eyes, a stain, In God's pure light may only be A scar brought from some well-won field, Where thou wouldst only faint and yield.”

  Do not judge others, for you cannot see their inner struggles; what appears as a flaw to you may be a mark of past victory in God's eyes.

  Poem quoted to illustrate the danger of censorious judgment.

• “Let your moderation be known to all men.”

  Make sure everyone sees your balanced and reasonable behavior.

  Paul's advice to the Philippians, used to argue against extremeness.