Chap. XXVIII Against the Tongues of Detractors
1. Son, take it not to heart if some people think ill of thee, and say of thee what thou art not willing to hear.
Thou oughtest to think worse of thyself, and to believe that no one is weaker than thyself.
If thou walkest interiorly, thou wilt make small account of flying words.
It is no small prudence to be silent in the evil time, and to turn within to me, and not to be disturbed with the judgment of man.
2. Let not thy peace be in the tongues of men; for whether they put a good or bad construction on what thou doest, thou art still what thou art.
Where is true peace, and true glory? Is it not in me?
And he who covets not to please men, nor fears their displeasure, shall enjoy much peace.
All disquiet of heart, and distraction of our senses, arises from inordinate love, and vain fear.