Be recollected; whoever pours himself out on exterior things quickly loses the graces he has acquired. A full jewel box is always kept closed. Humility: Avoid all those words which can draw down on you glory, esteem, or the appreciation of others. Let us listen unwillingly (without interest or reflection) and with interior reluctance to the words of those who praise or condemn us. It is dangerous to listen to one’s own praise in the mouths of others. It makes one lose his good judgment. When others praise us let us keep our sins before our eyes. . .Never do anything so that men may see and esteem you. Never do anything out of human respect. Do everything perfectly, because you are working in God’s presence, for God and not for men. In every situation think more about loving than about working.
-St. Maximilian Kolbe
