Letter 428

To Nicander the Stylite [a pillar-ascetic, who lived atop a column]. It is not the man who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. And "whoever exalts himself," it says, "shall be humbled." But you, having accomplished no praiseworthy deed, and having raised yourself up high upon the pillar, also wish to win the greatest acclaim. Yet take heed to yourself, lest, having here been praised more than enough by corruptible men, you then, against all your hopes, be pronounced wretchedly miserable by the incorruptible God; for here, beyond what you deserve, you have glutted yourself with human applause.

Οὐχ ὁ ἑαυτὸν συνιστῶν ἐστι δόκιμος, ἀλλ᾽ ὃνπερ συνίστησι Κύριος. Καὶ ὁ ὑψῶν, φησίν, ἑαυτὸν, ταπεινωθήσεται. Σὺ δὲ μηδὲν κατορθώσας ἐπαινούμενον πρᾶγμα, καὶ ὑψώσας σεαυτὸν ἐφ᾽ ὑψηλοῦ τοῦ στύλου, καὶ βούλει μεγίστων τυγχάνειν εὐφημιῶν. Ἀλλὰ πρόσεχε σαυτῷ, μήποτε ἐνταῦθα παρὰ ἀνθρώπων φθαρτῶν ἄρκατως ἐπαινεθεὶς ἀρτίως τὸ τηνικαῦτα παρὰ τοῦ ἀφθάρτου θεοῦ ταλανισθῇς ἀθλίως παρ᾽ ἐλπίδας· διότι ὑπὲρ τὴν ἀξίαν ἐνταῦθα ἐνεφορήθης τῶν ἀνθρωπίνων κρότων.