For when occasion happens, thou shalt find that which thou didst fly from, and more.
A Prayer
For the cleansing of the Heart,
and the obtaining heavenly wisdom.
4. Confirm me, O God, by the grace of thy holy spirit. Give me power to be strengthened in the inward man, and to cast out of my heart all unprofitable care and trouble; let me not be drawn away with various desires of any thing whatsoever, whether it be of little or great value; but may I look upon all things as passing away, and upon my self as passing along with them.
For nothing is lasting under the sun, where all is vanity and affliction of spirit. O how wise is he who considers things in this manner!
5. Give me, O Lord, heavenly wisdom, that I may learn above all things to seek thee, and to find thee; above all things to relish thee, and to love thee, and to understand all other things, as they are, according to the order of thy wisdom.
Grant that I may prudently decline him that flatters me, and patiently bear with him that contradicts me.
For this is great wisdom, not to be moved with every wind of words, nor to give ear to the wicked flattering Siren; for thus shall we go on securely in the way we have begun.
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.