No innocence can shield a man from the calumnies of the…
![“No innocence can shield a man from the calumnies of the wicked. [...] As a shadow follows its substance, so envy pursues goodness. It is only at the tree laden with fruit that men throw stones. If we would live without being slandered we must wait until we get to heaven. Let us be very heedful not…” quote by Charles H. Spurgeon](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/056/charles-h-spurgeon-1432_calumny_no-innocence-can-shield-a-man-from-the-c_1206710.jpg)
““No innocence can shield a man from the calumnies of the wicked. [...] As a shadow follows its substance, so envy pursues goodness. It is only at the tree laden with fruit that men throw stones. If we would live without being slandered we must wait until we get to heaven. Let us be very heedful not to believe the flying rumors which are always harassing gracious men. If there are no believers in lies, there will be but a dull market in falsehood, and good men's characters will be safe. Ill will never spoke well. Sinners have an ill will to saints; therefore, be sure that they will not speak well of them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Goodness attracts envy and false accusations; only those beyond reach of worldly judgment are safe from slander.
In simple terms: Good people get attacked; avoid believing rumors.
Key Takeaway
Guard your heart against gossip.
Themes
virtue
envy
reputation
faith
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
moral
spiritual
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal integrity
- public speaking
- community building
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
human nature
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when praised unjustly?
- What safeguards can protect reputation?
A Different Perspective
Even the virtuous can be falsely maligned; truth may not protect them.