Q&A 24

Q. How do I know whether I'm proud or humble?

A. One author answers,

"Allow me to remind you that among other evident signs of a lack of humility are:

-Thinking that what you do or say is better than what others do or say;

-Always wanting to get your own way;

-Arguing when you are not right or — when you are — insisting stubbornly or with bad manners;

-Giving your opinion without being asked for it, and when charity does not demand you to do so;

-Despising the point of view of others;

-Not being aware that all the gifts and qualities you have are on loan;

-Not acknowledging that you are unworthy of all honour or esteem, even the ground you are treading on or the things you own;

-Mentioning yourself as an example in conversation;

-Speaking badly about yourself, so that they may form a good opinion of you, or contradict you;

-Making excuses when rebuked;

-Hiding some humiliating faults from your director (spiritual coach), so that he may not lose the good opinion he has of you;

-Hearing praise with satisfaction, or being glad that others have spoken well of you;

-Being hurt that others are held in greater esteem than you;

-Refusing to carry out menial tasks;

-Seeking or wanting to be singled out;

-Letting drop words of self-praise in conversation, or words that might show your honesty, your wit or skill, your professional prestige...;

-Being ashamed of not having certain possessions ..."

Basically, "humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less".

14^th September 2015