約伯倫理 第 1121 章

IBID. — 'And perfect knowledge shall be proved to thee.' 43. The elation of the heart, though hidden, is inexcusable; how much more that which bursts forth outwardly in words. — Doubtless he perceived that he was about to say great things, but with a swelling heart he could not keep silent what he loftily esteemed concerning himself: and therefore he ran ahead by praising what he rightly perceived; because he would indeed already be guilty by the divine judgment, if he had esteemed great things of himself even by keeping silent. For before the subtle examination of Truth we are by no means secure, even if by human judgment we have nothing that ought to be reprehended in us. For often, thinking too negligently, we are struck by elation, which nevertheless, when it lies still, we press down.

But unless the hidden swelling is quickly suffocated by reconsideration in the very couch of the heart in which it arises, before the strict Judge every merit of our action is extinguished. Hence therefore it is to be weighed with how great animadversion that elation of heart shall be condemned which is nourished even to the boldness of the voice, if not even this is excusable which secretly arises in the heart. It is also to be considered of what kind reigns within, which has been kept even to the point that it does not blush to burst forth outwardly. Elihu therefore, because he perceived great things, knew not how to temper himself humbly; he held the loftiness of knowledge, refused the grace of humility; and while he pursues the good whereby he desired to speak well, he lost the good whereby he might have lived well.

For knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies (1 Cor. 8:1). But let him now at least say what is right, which nevertheless he knows not how to say rightly. For after he had breathed out the inflated thoughts of his mind through words of elation, he added a strong statement, saying: