The Ladder of Divine Ascent

Study # 9 (steps 22- Pride)

On the many forms of Vainglory 

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I. Mother of Pride

“...the one (vainglory) is the beginning and the other (pride) the end.” (Ladder 22:1)

II. Causes of Vainglory:

1. Seeks the praises of men

“ A vainglorious person is a believing idolater; he apparently honors God, but he wants to please not God but men. Every lover of self-display is vainglorious. The fast of the vainglorious person is without reward and his prayer is futile, because he does both for the praise of men.” (Ladder 22:6,7)

“Vainglory makes those who are preferred, proud, and those who are slighted, resentful.” (Ladder 22:23)

2. The praise of others

“The flatterer is a servant of devils, a guide to pride, a destroyer of contrition, a ruiner of virtues, a misleader. Those who pronounce you blessed, lead you astray, says the prophet.  . . .let us briefly call to mind the multitude of our sins, and we shall find ourselves unworthy of what is said or done in our honor. (Ladder 22:11)

III. The Cure

1. Experience the praise of God

“If we ardently desire to run towards the state of well-being on high, we should be eager to taste the glory that is above. He who has tasted that will despise all earthly glory.” (Ladder 22:29)

2. Do not count “natural virtues” as anything i.e. meekness, gentleness, modesty, chaste, small eater. It is virtue to abstain voluntarily and by choice.

3. Humility is the mother of all virtues

“...it is not toil so much as humility that is the mother of such perfections. (extreme dispassion, rich gifts, miracle working, prophetic powers)...He who regards himself as a debtor will unexpectedly and suddenly receive riches.” (Ladder 22:32,33)

4. Never engage in self-praise

5. Enduring Dishonor with Humility

“The Lord often brings the vainglorious to a state free of vainglory through the dishonor that befalls them.

6. Holy fear of God

“...we should remember our mourning and should think of the holy fear with which we stood before God in solitary prayer...if we really have concern for true prayer.” (Ladder: 22: 41)

7. Remember our death to come and the dishonor that will follow honors received here.

8. The stages of freedom from Vainglory (Ladder 22:39)

         a.) The beginning of freedom is the custody of the mouth and love of being dishonored.

         b.) The middle stage is a beating back of all acts of vainglory in thought.

         c.) The end consists in doing those things in the presence of others which brings us dishonor, without feeling grief . . do not hide your shameful deeds.” (Confession)

IV. Signs of being free of Vainglory

1. We are unmoved by praise

“People of high spirit bear offense nobly and gladly, but only the holy and righteous can pass through praise without harm.” (Ladder 22:12)

 

2. Praise those who injure you

“When you hear that your neighbor or friend has abused you behind your back or even face to face, then show love and praise him.” (Ladder 22:15)