The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Against the Tongues of Detractors explained
The chapter advises the disciple not to be troubled by the ill opinions or words of others, but to think worse of oneself and to turn inwardly to God, finding peace not in human judgment but in God alone.
What happens
The chapter advises the disciple not to be troubled by the ill opinions or words of others, but to think worse of oneself and to turn inwardly to God, finding peace not in human judgment but in God alone.
Themes in this chapter
Interior Life and Solitude
The chapter urges turning inward to God and not being swayed by human words or judgments.
Contempt for the World
The disciple is taught to disregard human praise or blame, seeking true peace only in God.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Speaker of the counsel to the disciple, addressing him as 'My Son' and guiding him to inward peace.
- The Disciple
Recipient of the teaching, called to ignore detractors and rest in God.
Key passages
“My Son, take it not sadly to heart, if any think ill of thee, and say of thee what thou art unwilling to hear.”
Do not be upset when others think badly of you or say things you do not want to hear.
Opening counsel to remain undisturbed by detractors.
“If thou walkest inwardly, thou wilt not weigh flying words above their value.”
If you live an interior life, you will not give too much importance to passing remarks.
Emphasis on inward focus as protection against harmful speech.
“Let not thy peace depend upon the word of men; for whether they judge well or ill of thee, thou art not therefore any other man than thyself.”
Do not let your peace rest on what people say; their good or bad opinion does not change who you are.
Core teaching on the independence of inner peace from human judgment.