A person does not go wrong when he knows that he does not know something, but only when he thinks he knows something which he does not. The truly humble person, who is aware of his not knowing, makes no attempt to appear as one who does know. He does not seek preference in the opinions of others that is not his. Such a person is a peace with his station in life.
The only reason a person tries to appear as though he knows what he does not know, is that he is in want to receive preference in the opinions of others. Such preference he has not earned and does not deserve. Such a person is not a peace with his station in life and is covetous of the preference of others and seeks to steal preference he has not earned by the fraudulent appearance of knowledge.
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Excerpt from St. Augustine letter to Hesychius
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