The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of the danger of too much familiarity explained
This chapter warns against indiscriminate familiarity and advises the reader to choose companions wisely—preferring the humble, devout, and God-fearing, while avoiding the rich, the great, and the worldly.
What happens
This chapter warns against indiscriminate familiarity and advises the reader to choose companions wisely—preferring the humble, devout, and God-fearing, while avoiding the rich, the great, and the worldly. It emphasizes that true companionship is found with God and His angels, and that intimacy with others often leads to disappointment.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story’s dramatic climax because the speaker reaches an emotional and psychological peak of total s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Contempt for the World
The chapter advises against seeking the society of the rich and great, and instead recommends the company of the humble and devout, reflecting a disdain for worldly status.
- Interior Life and Solitude
The exhortation to choose God and His angels as companions and to flee from the notice of men underscores the value of interior solitude and divine intimacy.
Characters to notice
- The Disciple
The narrator gives counsel on discretion in friendships and warns against opening one's heart to every person.
- God the Father
Implied as the one to whom all good women are commended and as the ultimate companion alongside His angels.
Key passages
“Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise and feareth God.”
Do not share your innermost thoughts with just anyone; instead, confide only in someone who is wise and reverent toward God.
This advice emphasizes discernment in friendship, a key theme of the chapter.
“Be not familiar with any woman, but commend all good women alike unto God.”
Avoid intimate familiarity with any woman, and instead entrust all virtuous women to God's care.
Reflects the monastic caution toward relationships with women, common in the era.
“Choose for thy companions God and His Angels only, and flee from the notice of men.”
Make God and His angels your primary companions, and avoid seeking human attention.
This encapsulates the chapter's call to prioritize divine companionship over human society.
