Evil Quote by Vincent de Paul
![“. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d4/vincent-de-paul-1676_evil_t-hese-ideas-are-only-suggestions-of-the_237589.jpg)
“. . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . .”
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Rule of Faith, 1668
The evil spirit tempts us with grand, impossible deeds under the guise of charity, risking our salvation.
In simple terms: Temptation disguises impossible tasks as charitable acts.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overreaching under false pretenses.
Themes
temptition
charity
spirituality
humility
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
ethical
theological
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- volunteering
- personal piety
- community service
Key Concepts
Theology
moral psychology
ethical discernment
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your acts of mercy?
- How do you discern true charity from pride?
A Different Perspective
Even genuine charity can become prideful if motives are unchecked.
![“. . . . [P]ersons who love very much, easily take offense at trifles. No doubt your excessive affection for me makes you a little diffident about mine. But there is no harm done; I hope you will soon be over this slight jealousy and be convinced that nothing can change the genuine affection Our…” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/570/vincent-de-paul-1676_affection_p-ersons-who-love-very-much-easily-take_52639.jpg)
![“[I]f the gentleness of your spirit needs a dash of vinegar, borrow a little from Our Lord's spirit. O Mademoiselle, how well He knew how to find a bittersweet remark when it is needed!” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/546/vincent-de-paul-1676_bittersweet_i-f-the-gentleness-of-your-spirit-needs_81360.jpg)
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
