# Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

The chapter teaches the disciple to stand firm in faith and trust in God when faced with reproach and evil words, recognizing that human judgment is fallible and that God alone is the true judge who discerns all secrets. It encourages humility, self-examination, and reliance on divine mercy rather than human opinion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Contempt for the World

The disciple is urged to disregard human praise and reproach, recognizing the vanity of worldly judgment.

### Grace and Divine Dependence

The disciple places his entire confidence in God's mercy and judgment, acknowledging his own insufficiency.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Speaks as 'My Son' throughout, instructing the disciple to trust in Him and not fear human reproach.

### The Disciple

Responds in prayer, acknowledging his frailty and seeking God's mercy and strength.

### God the Father

Addressed as 'O Lord God, O Judge, just, strong, and patient' in the disciple's closing prayer.

## Key lines

> For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone.

Words are insubstantial and cannot cause lasting harm.

_Christ reassures the disciple that verbal attacks are powerless._

> I am the Judge and the Discerner of all secrets; I know how the thing hath been done; I know both the injurer and the bearer.

God alone knows the full truth of every situation, including both the wrongdoer and the one who suffers.

_Emphasizes God's omniscience and ultimate justice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters