--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The good devout man first makes inner…" description: "\"The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rath..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb4/thomas-a-kempis-721_action_the-good-devout-man-first-makes-inner-pr_2622253.jpg" --- # The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the… ![“The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer…” quote by Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb4/thomas-a-kempis-721_action_the-good-devout-man-first-makes-inner-pr_2622253.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb4/thomas-a-kempis-721_action_the-good-devout-man-first-makes-inner-pr_2622253.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb4/thomas-a-kempis-721_action_the-good-devout-man-first-makes-inner-pr_2622253.jpg) > “The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.” [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True virtue begins with inner discipline; external deeds follow only when the soul is already aligned with reason and moral judgment. **In simple terms:** Inner preparation precedes righteous actions. Key Takeaway Cultivate inner discipline before acting. Themes self‑mastery morality inner discipline Mood reflective serene Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - personal growth - leadership - conflict resolution - habit formation Key Concepts spirituality ethical reasoning Questions to Reflect On - How can you align your inner values with daily actions? - What habits help you maintain inner discipline? A Different Perspective Inner work alone cannot guarantee ethical outcomes without external accountability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Battle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/battle/) [Conquer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conquer/) [Devout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devout/) [Devout Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devout-man-2120139/) [Draws](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/draws/) [Fight Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight-man-452344/) [Fighting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fighting/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Good Devout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-devout-2120140/) [He man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/he-man/) [Inner Preparation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inner-preparation-2120141/) [Judgement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judgement/) [Lust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lust/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Preparation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/preparation/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Shapes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shapes/) [Strive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strive/) [Vices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vices/) ## Related quotes > [Ah! devout though I may be, I am no less a man!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moliere/ah-devout-though-i-may-be-i-am-no-less-a-man/) [Moliere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moliere/) > [A sober, devout man will interpret 'God's will' soberly and devoutly. 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Neither arts nor riches, beauty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/0-true-and-heavenly-grace-without-which-our-own-merits-are-nothing/) [Thomas à Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [If you would endeavor, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, surely we would feel the favorable assistance of God from heaven.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/if-you-would-endeavor-like-men-of-courage-to-stand-in-the-battle/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [“No man safely goeth abroad who loveth not to rest at home. No man safely talketh but he who loveth to hold his peace.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/no-man-safely-goeth-abroad-who-loveth-not-to-rest-at-home-no-man/) [Thomas à Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [“Nature has a relish for knowing secrets and hearing news. It wishes to appear abroad and to have sense experiences. 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Alarmed, it is not confused, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/love-is-watchful-sleeping-it-does-not-slumber-wearied-it-is-not-tired/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [If you bear the cross gladly, it will bear you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/if-you-bear-the-cross-gladly-it-will-bear-you/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [Be thankful for the smallest blessing, and you will be worthy to receive greater.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/be-thankful-for-the-smallest-blessing-and-you-will-be-worthy-to/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [If you cast away one cross, you will certainly find another, and perhaps a heavier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/if-you-cast-away-one-cross-you-will-certainly-find-another-and/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) > [Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to gladness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-kempis/dispose-thyself-to-patience-rather-than-to-comfort-and-to-the-bearing/) [Thomas a Kempis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) [Explore all 387 Thomas a Kempis quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-kempis/) ## More Action quotes > [I always say there are two things to be successful. 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