John Jewel: 'The word of God teacheth lowliness of mind; it teacheth us to know ourselves.'

The word of God teacheth lowliness of mind; it teacheth us to know ourselves.

The quote by John Jewel, "The word of God teacheth lowliness of mind; it teacheth us to know ourselves," carries a profound meaning that emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness. It suggests that through the teachings of God, we are guided towards developing a humbler perspective and gaining a deeper understanding of our own selves.At its core, the quote underscores the value of humility as a virtue. Lowliness of mind refers to an attitude of modesty, recognizing our limitations and weaknesses. It encourages us to approach life with a sense of humility, understanding that we are not all-knowing or infallible. By acknowledging our own fallibility, we become more receptive to learning and growth, making room for self-improvement and personal development.Furthermore, the quote suggests that through the word of God, we can gain insight into our own nature and character. The teachings found in religious texts can act as a mirror that reflects our true selves, serving as a guide for self-reflection and self-discovery. In knowing ourselves, we develop a deeper understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, desires, and values. This self-awareness helps us make informed decisions, align our actions with our beliefs, and navigate through life with a clearer sense of purpose.While the straightforward interpretation of this quote provides an important perspective on humility and self-awareness, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to infuse further interest into the discussion - the concept of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the search for meaning in life. The ideas presented by existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus may seem somewhat disconnected from the religious context of the quote, but an intriguing comparison can be drawn.Existentialism emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning in life, independent of external sources. It encourages self-reflection, questioning societal norms, and the pursuit of personal authenticity. In this sense, existentialism shares a common ground with the notion of knowing ourselves, as Jewel's quote suggests.However, while existentialism emphasizes the individual's subjective experience, the word of God, as referred to in the quote, is often seen as an objective and transcendent source of guidance. This dichotomy presents an interesting contrast, where the existentialist philosophy urges self-discovery through subjective reflection, while the religious perspective highlights a search for self-knowledge through the teachings of an external authority.Despite the differences, both approaches ultimately converge on the importance of self-awareness and the search for personal meaning. Whether through religious guidance or philosophical introspection, knowing ourselves allows us to navigate through life with a greater sense of purpose and authenticity.In conclusion, John Jewel's quote encapsulates a fundamental truth about humility and self-awareness. By teaching us to be humble and know ourselves, the word of God, or any authentic source of guidance, leads us towards personal growth and understanding. Furthermore, by introducing the concept of existentialism, we can appreciate the diverse ways in which individuals strive to uncover their true selves and find meaning in life. Ultimately, it is through this ongoing journey of self-discovery that we can lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives.