Episode 14 -- Spiritual Combat c9.2 -- Intellectual Pride

Another Method to Prevent Deception of the Understanding.

Chapter 9 covers the need to resist curiosity of understanding. Do not try to understand more than one really needs. Do not wander after all kinds of unnecessary questions and news and business of others that does not concern us. Instead focus on the essentials: always thinking of Christ and him Crucified.

But we also have to be on guard against intellectual pride. The devil likes to trick devout people into thinking they have had the greatest spiritual experiences. He makes us think we are far advanced in God’s ways. He leads us to think that we can teach everyone else and no one can teach us. He leads us not to trust the judgements of others.

How do we prevent this intellectual pride? Get used to consulting others. Follow the suggestions of others. Get advice. Ask for prayers. As St Philip Neri teaches us: “be humble and get as many prayers as possible.”