The sentiment in both is the same, and their pith is given in a still more brief and condensed form in our own proverb. It is remarkable that while Dr. A. Clarke, in his notes on Proverbs xvi., has quoted it without reference to its authorship in the edition of Stanhope's version of De Imitatione Christi, which I happen to have, it is not to be found; but its place (according to your correspondent's reference) is occupied by the two texts above quoted. The work referred to is asserted by some to have been only translated or transcribed by à Kempis, and written by John Gerson, Chancellor of the University of Paris, a great theologian, who died in 1429. Be that as it may, I can assure your correspondent A. B. C. that the saying in question did not originate with the author of that work. In Piers Ploughman's Vision, written A.D. 1362, it is thus introduced:
"And Spiritus justitiæ
Shall juggen, wol he nele he (will he nil he!)
After the kynges counseil,
And the comune like.
And Spiritus prudentiæ,
In many a point shall faille,
Of that he weneth will falle,
If his wit ne weere.
Wenynge is no wysdom,