Excerpts From the “Ladder of Divine Ascent” of Saint John Climacus

On Humility (step 25)

To exalt oneself is one thing, not to do so another, and to humble oneself is something else entirely. A man may always be passing judgment on others, while another man passes judgment neither on others nor on himself. A third, however, though actually guiltless, may always be passing judgment on himself.

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Holy humility had this to say, “The one who loves me will not condemn someone, or pass judgment on anyone, or lord it over someone else, or show off his wisdom until he has been united with me. A man truly joined to me is no longer in bondage to the Law” (note 1 Tim. 1:9.).

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Most of us would describe ourselves as sinners. And perhaps we really think so. But it is indignity that shows up the true state of the heart.