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Dhammapada · narration sample

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The Cloud of Unknowing · 35 of 80

Chapter 30. Who should blame and condemn other men’s defaults

BUT I pray thee, of whom shall men’s deeds be judged?

Surely of them that have power, and cure of their souls: either given openly by the statute and the ordinance of Holy Church, or else privily in spirit at the special stirring of the Holy Ghost in perfect charity. Each man beware, that he presume not to take upon him to blame and condemn other men’s defaults, but if he feel verily that he be stirred of the Holy Ghost within in his work; for else may he full lightly err in his dooms. And therefore beware: judge thyself as thee list betwixt thee and thy God or thy ghostly father, and let other men alone. p. 172

Asked of Guide

Who is allowed to judge other people's sins, according to this chapter?

The chapter says only those with power and cure of souls should judge others—either publicly by Church office or privately when “stirred of the Holy Ghost in perfect charity.” It warns each person to avoid presuming to blame or condemn unless they truly feel that inner stirring, because otherwise they may err in their judgments.

The author instructs everyone else to keep to self-judgment: “judge thyself as thee list betwixt thee and thy God or thy ghostly father, and let other men alone.” This echoes Augustine’s emphasis on charity and humility in pastoral correction found in his letters, where correctors must love the soul they amend.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.