Nilus of Ancyra→Nicander (correspondent of Nilus of Ancyra)|c. 415 AD|nilus ancyra|From Ancyra|AI-assisted
To Nicander the Stylite [a pillar-ascetic, who lived atop a column].
It is not the man who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. And "whoever exalts himself," it says, "shall be humbled." But you, having accomplished no praiseworthy deed, and having raised yourself up high upon the pillar, also wish to win the greatest acclaim. Yet take heed to yourself, lest, having here been praised more than enough by corruptible men, you then, against all your hopes, be pronounced wretchedly miserable by the incorruptible God; for here, beyond what you deserve, you have glutted yourself with human applause.
To Nicander the Stylite [a pillar-ascetic, who lived atop a column].
It is not the man who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. And "whoever exalts himself," it says, "shall be humbled." But you, having accomplished no praiseworthy deed, and having raised yourself up high upon the pillar, also wish to win the greatest acclaim. Yet take heed to yourself, lest, having here been praised more than enough by corruptible men, you then, against all your hopes, be pronounced wretchedly miserable by the incorruptible God; for here, beyond what you deserve, you have glutted yourself with human applause.
AI-assisted translation - This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.