The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us explained
The chapter teaches the disciple to stand firm in faith and trust in God when faced with reproach and evil words, recognizing that human judgment is fallible and that God alone is the true judge who discerns all secrets.
What happens
The chapter teaches the disciple to stand firm in faith and trust in God when faced with reproach and evil words, recognizing that human judgment is fallible and that God alone is the true judge who discerns all secrets. It encourages humility, self-examination, and reliance on divine mercy rather than human opinion.
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 Falling action.
- 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 disciple is urged to disregard human praise and reproach, recognizing the vanity of worldly judgment.
- Grace and Divine Dependence
The disciple places his entire confidence in God's mercy and judgment, acknowledging his own insufficiency.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Speaks as 'My Son' throughout, instructing the disciple to trust in Him and not fear human reproach.
- The Disciple
Responds in prayer, acknowledging his frailty and seeking God's mercy and strength.
- God the Father
Addressed as 'O Lord God, O Judge, just, strong, and patient' in the disciple's closing prayer.
Key passages
“For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone.”
Words are insubstantial and cannot cause lasting harm.
Christ reassures the disciple that verbal attacks are powerless.
“I am the Judge and the Discerner of all secrets; I know how the thing hath been done; I know both the injurer and the bearer.”
God alone knows the full truth of every situation, including both the wrongdoer and the one who suffers.
Emphasizes God's omniscience and ultimate justice.
