第03章 强盛中的高傲
§1
第03章 强盛中的高傲
§2
Chap. 3 - Pride of Prosperity
§3
当所罗门高举上天的律法时，上帝就与他同在，赐他智慧，能以公平和恩慈治理以色列国。起先，在他得到财富和属世的尊荣时，他仍然保持谦卑的精神，所以他的势力范围是广大的。“所罗门统管诸国，从大河（幼发拉底河）到非利士地，直到埃及的边界。”“四境尽都平安。所罗门在世的日子，……犹大人和以色列人，都在自己的葡萄树下，和无花果树下，安然居住。”（王上4:21；24-25）[1]{PK 51.1}
§4
While Solomon exalted the law of heaven, God was with him, and wisdom was given him to rule over Israel with impartiality and mercy. At first, as wealth and worldly honor came to him, he remained humble, and great was the extent of his influence. Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river [Euphrates] unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt. He . . . had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, . . . all the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:21, 24, 25.{PK 51.1}[1]
§5
可惜在前途大有希望的初期之后，他的生活却因背道而致黯淡无光了。历史记载了这件可悲的事实，那就是这个被称为耶底底亚“因为耶和华爱他；”（撒下12:25）又蒙上帝所看重而得到那么显著的神圣眷爱的证据，以致他的智慧和正直博得了普世的声望；也曾引领别人归荣耀与以色列的上帝的人，后来竟放弃敬拜耶和华，而向异教的偶像屈膝。[2]{PK 51.2}
§6
But after a morning of great promise his life was darkened by apostasy. History records the melancholy fact that he who had been called Jedidiah,--Beloved of the Lord (2 Samuel 12:25, margin),--he who had been honored by God with tokens of divine favor so remarkable that his wisdom and uprightness gained for him world-wide fame, he who had led others to ascribe honor to the God of Israel, turned from the worship of Jehovah to bow before the idols of the heathen.{PK 51.2}[2]
§7
在所罗门登位作王之前几百年，主曾预先见到那些被选作以色列王之人所面临的种种危险，所以早就赐给摩西一番教训，作为他们的指导。上帝曾指示凡登上以色列王位的人，要从“祭司利未人面前的这律法书”中“为自己抄录一本”耶和华的典章。耶和华说：“存在他那里，要平生诵读，好学习敬畏耶和华他的上帝，谨守遵行这律法书上的一切言语，和这些律例；免得他向弟兄心高气傲，偏左偏右，离了这诫命；这样，他和他的子孙，便可在以色列中、在国位上年长日久。”（申17:18-20）[3]{PK 52.1}
§8
Hundreds of years before Solomon came to the throne, the Lord, foreseeing the perils that would beset those who might be chosen as rulers of Israel, gave Moses instruction for their guidance. Directions were given that he who should sit on the throne of Israel should write him a copy of the statutes of Jehovah in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites. It shall be with him, the Lord said, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: that his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel. Deuteronomy 17:18-20.{PK 52.1}[3]
§9
除了以上这段教训之外，主又特别警戒那将来要受膏作王的人，“不可为自己多立妃嫔，恐怕他的心偏邪；也不可为自己多积金银。”（申17:17）[4]{PK 52.2}
§10
In connection with this instruction the Lord particularly cautioned the one who might be anointed king not to multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Verse 17.{PK 52.2}[4]
§11
所罗门原来熟悉这些警告，有一段时期他也曾加以注意。他最大的愿望原是要使自己的生活和统治，都遵循那在西奈山所颁布的律例。他处理国务的方式，与当时列国的风俗习惯有显著的区别，这些国家是不敬畏上帝的，他们的君王将他的圣律法放在脚下践踏。[5]{PK 52.3}
§12
With these warnings Solomon was familiar, and for a time he heeded them. His greatest desire was to live and rule in accordance with the statutes given at Sinai. His manner of conducting the affairs of the kingdom was in striking contrast with the customs of the nations of his time--nations who feared not God and whose rulers trampled underfoot His holy law. {PK 52.3}[5]
§13
后来所罗门想要与以色列南面的一个强国加强邦交，他竟冒险踏入禁地。撒但知道顺从所必有的结果；所以当所罗门在位的初期，就是当王因智慧、慈善和正直而大得尊荣的几年中，他就设法带进一些影响，阴谋破坏所罗门忠于原则的心，使他离弃上帝。仇敌在这方面的努力竟获得了成功，我们可从《圣经》的记载中读到：“所罗门与埃及王法老结亲，娶了法老的女儿为妻，接她进入大卫城。”（王上3:1）[6]{PK 53.1}
§14
In seeking to strengthen his relations with the powerful kingdom lying to the southward of Israel, Solomon ventured upon forbidden ground. Satan knew the results that would attend obedience; and during the earlier years of Solomons reign--years glorious because of the wisdom, the beneficence, and the uprightness of the king--he sought to bring in influences that would insidiously undermine Solomons loyalty to principle and cause him to separate from God. That the enemy was successful in this effort, we know from the record: Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaohs daughter, and brought her into the City of David. 1 Kings 3:1.{PK 53.1}[6]
§15
这次婚姻虽然违反上帝律法的教训，但从人的眼光看来似乎还是一种福气；因为所罗门的这个信奉异教的妻子已经悔改了，并与他一同敬拜真神上帝。再者，法老为以色列作了一件显著的贡献，攻取基色，“杀了城内居住的迦南人，将城赐给他女儿所罗门的妻作妆奁。”（王上9:16）所罗门重建这城，这样地中海沿岸的国防就显然大大加强了。但他既与一个信奉邪教的国家结盟，而且盟约又是以与拜偶像的公主联姻来订立的，所罗门就轻率地将上帝为保持他子民的纯洁所制定的贤明规例置之不顾了。他对于他埃及妻子悔改的希望，不过是一个不值一驳的犯罪借口而已。[7]{PK 53.2}
§16
From a human point of view, this marriage, though contrary to the teachings of Gods law, seemed to prove a blessing; for Solomons heathen wife was converted and united with him in the worship of the true God. Furthermore, Pharaoh rendered signal service to Israel by taking Gezer, slaying the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and giving it for a present unto his daughter, Solomons wife. 1 Kings 9:16. This city Solomon rebuilt and thus apparently greatly strengthened his kingdom along the Mediterranean seacoast. But in forming an alliance with a heathen nation, and sealing the compact by marriage with an idolatrous princess, Solomon rashly disregarded the wise provision that God had made for maintaining the purity of His people. The hope that his Egyptian wife might be converted was but a feeble excuse for the sin.{PK 53.2}[7]
§17
上帝本乎他的大怜悯，一时补救了这个严重的错误；同时王至少还可以借聪明的措施，大大遏止因他这不智的行为而产生的恶影响。可惜这时所罗门已经开始忘却他能力和尊荣的来源。当情感占了上风而理智失势，自恃心加强的时候，他就企图用自己的方法来实现上帝的旨意。他辩称他与周围列国缔结政治和通商的盟约，可以使这些国家得到有关真神上帝的知识；因此他一而再、再而三地与这些国家订立不神圣的盟约。这些盟约往往是借着与信奉异教的公主联姻来坚定的。于是他就因随从四围民族的风俗而不顾耶和华的命令了。[8]{PK 53.3}
§18
For a time God in His compassionate mercy overruled this terrible mistake; and the king, by a wise course, could have checked at least in a large measure the evil forces that his imprudence had set in operation. But Solomon had begun to lose sight of the Source of his power and glory. As inclination gained the ascendancy over reason, self-confidence increased, and he sought to carry out the Lords purpose in his own way. He reasoned that political and commercial alliances with the surrounding nations would bring these nations to a knowledge of the true God; and he entered into unholy alliance with nation after nation. Often these alliances were sealed by marriages with heathen princesses. The commands of Jehovah were set aside for the customs of surrounding peoples.{PK 53.3}[8]
§19
所罗门自欺自慰，以为自己的智慧和榜样的力量，必可引领他的妃嫔放弃拜偶像，而敬拜真神上帝，并且这结成的同盟也必能吸引周围列国与以色列有密切的交往。这是多么虚妄的希望！所罗门认为自己已够坚强，足能抵抗外邦妃嫔的影响，实在是一个严重的错误。他竟以为自己虽然不顾上帝的律法，却还可以引领别人尊敬并顺从律法神圣的条例，这更是一种严重的自欺。[9]{PK 54.1}
§20
Solomon flattered himself that his wisdom and the power of his example would lead his wives from idolatry to the worship of the true God, and also that the alliances thus formed would draw the nations round about into close touch with Israel. Vain hope! Solomons mistake in regarding himself as strong enough to resist the influence of heathen associates was fatal. And fatal, too, the deception that led him to hope that notwithstanding a disregard of Gods law on his part, others might be led to revere and obey its sacred precepts.{PK 54.1}[9]
§21
王与异邦各国联盟及通商的结果，使他得到名誉、尊荣和属世的财富。他能大量从俄斐运来金子，从他施运来银子。“王在耶路撒冷使金银多如石头，香柏木多如高原的桑树。”（代下1:15）在所罗门的日子，越来越多的民众可以得到财富及与之俱来的试探；但品格上的精金却失光变色了。[10]{PK 54.2}
§22
The kings alliances and commercial relations with heathen nations brought him renown, honor, and the riches of this world. He was enabled to bring gold from Ophir and silver from Tarshish in great abundance. The king made silver and gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycamore trees that are in the vale for abundance. 2 Chronicles 1:15. Wealth, with all its attendant temptations, came in Solomons day to an increasingly large number of people; but the fine gold of character was dimmed and marred.{PK 54.2}[10]
§23
所罗门的背道是逐渐发展的，甚至在他尚未警觉之前，他已经离开上帝很远了。他几乎不知不觉地越来越少倚靠上帝的引导与赐福，转而倚靠自己的力量。他逐渐偏离了那使以色列作为特选子民的不偏不倚的顺从，而越来越紧地追随四围列国的风俗。他屈服于他的成功和尊荣地位所附带的种种试探，竟忘记了他兴盛的根源。那要在能力和权势方面凌驾一切其他国家的野心，使他将过去用为荣耀上帝的天赐恩惠误用来追求自私的欲望。那原应视为神圣的委托，而用以谋求穷人幸福并在全世界推广圣洁生活原则的金钱，竟自私地消耗在奢侈的用途上了。[11]{PK 55.1}
§24
So gradual was Solomons apostasy that before he was aware of it; he had wandered far from God. Almost imperceptibly he began to trust less and less in divine guidance and blessing, and to put confidence in his own strength. Little by little he withheld from God that unswerving obedience which was to make Israel a peculiar people, and he conformed more and more closely to the customs of the surrounding nations. Yielding to the temptations incident to his success and his honored position, he forgot the Source of his prosperity. An ambition to excel all other nations in power and grandeur led him to pervert for selfish purposes the heavenly gifts hitherto employed for the glory of God. The money which should have been held in sacred trust for the benefit of the worthy poor and for the extension of principles of holy living throughout the world, was selfishly absorbed in ambitious projects.{PK 55.1}[11]
§25
王既专注于他心中压倒一切的欲望，就是要在外表的炫耀上超越列国，便忽略了追求品格完美的需要。为要追求在世人面前尊荣自己起见，他竟出卖了自己的节操与公正。国家巨大的收入，除了得自与各地通商的利润之外，还靠苛征重税来弥补。骄傲、野心、奢侈和纵欲就此产生了暴虐和苛政的恶果。他在位初期对待百姓的正直、体恤的精神如今都改变了。他竟从一个最明智、最慈怜的帝王堕落成为暴君了。这一度富有同情而敬畏上帝的以色列民监护人，竟成为压迫虐待他们的了。苛捐杂税接二连三地课加在百姓头上，为要征敛资财来供奉奢侈浪费的宫廷。[12]{PK 55.2}
§26
Engrossed in an overmastering desire to surpass other nations in outward display, the king overlooked the need of acquiring beauty and perfection of character. In seeking to glorify himself before the world, he sold his honor and integrity. The enormous revenues acquired through commerce with many lands were supplemented by heavy taxes. Thus pride, ambition, prodigality, and indulgence bore fruit in cruelty and exaction. The conscientious, considerate spirit that had marked his dealings with the people during the early part of his reign, was now changed. From the wisest and most merciful of rulers, he degenerated into a tyrant. Once the compassionate, God-fearing guardian of the people, he became oppressive and despotic. Tax after tax was levied upon the people, that means might be forthcoming to support the luxurious court.{PK 55.2}[12]
§27
于是百姓怨声载道了。他们过去一度对于国王所存的崇敬和钦佩，这时已变成不满和憎恨了。[13]{PK 56.1}
§28
The people began to complain. The respect and admiration they had once cherished for their king was changed into disaffection and abhorrence.{PK 56.1}[13]
§29
耶和华曾警告那些将来作以色列王的人不可为自己加添马匹，免得他们倚靠“血肉的膀臂。”但所罗门竟全然不顾这条禁令，“所罗门的马是从埃及带来的。”“有人从埃及各国为所罗门赶马群来。”“所罗门聚集战车马兵，有战车一千四百辆，马兵一万二千名，安置在屯车的城邑，和耶路撒冷，就是王那里。”(代下1:26；9:28；王上10:26)[14]{PK 56.2}
§30
As a safeguard against dependence on the arm of flesh, the Lord had warned those who should rule over Israel not to multiply horses to themselves. But in utter disregard of this command, Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands. Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 1:16; 9:28; 1 Kings 10:26.{PK 56.2}[14]
§31
王越来越贪图奢华和纵欲，以及世人所爱好的伟大。他从埃及、腓尼基、以东、摩押和许多其他地方搜罗美女，数以百计，她们都是敬拜偶像的，并且受教施行残酷而卑劣的仪式。王既迷恋她们的美色，便忽略他对上帝和对自己国家的本分了。[15]{PK 56.3}
§32
More and more the king came to regard luxury, self-indulgence, and the favor of the world as indications of greatness. Beautiful and attractive women were brought from Egypt, Phoenicia, Edom, and Moab, and from many other places. These women were numbered by hundreds. Their religion was idol worship, and they had been taught to practice cruel and degrading rites. Infatuated with their beauty, the king neglected his duties to God and to his kingdom.{PK 56.3}[15]
§33
他的妃嫔在他身上发挥了强烈的影响，渐渐地诱惑他参加她们的偶像敬拜。所罗门已将上帝过去所给他，要他作为防范离道背教之藩蓠的教训置之不顾，如今他竟耽溺于敬拜假神了。“所罗门年老的时候，他的妃嫔诱惑他的心，去随从别神，不效法他父亲大卫，诚诚实实的顺服耶和华他的上帝。因为所罗门随从西顿人的女神亚斯他录，和亚扪人可憎的神米勒公。”（王上11:4-5）[16]{PK 56.4}
§34
His wives exerted a strong influence over him and gradually prevailed on him to unite with them in their worship. Solomon had disregarded the instruction that God had given to serve as a barrier against apostasy, and now he gave himself up to the worship of the false gods. It came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 1 Kings 11:4, 5.{PK 56.4}[16]
§35
在橄榄山的南岗，耶和华壮丽的圣殿所在地摩利亚山的对面，所罗门造了一大批建筑物作为偶像庙宇之用。他为了要讨妃嫔们的欢心，就将巨大的偶像，木石制成的怪物，放在石榴和橄榄树林中。在那里，就是在外邦神，“摩押可憎的神基抹，和亚扪人可憎的神摩洛”的邱坛之前，举行了异教最卑劣的仪式。[17]{PK 57.1}
§36
On the southern eminence of the Mount of Olives, opposite Mount Moriah, where stood the beautiful temple of Jehovah, Solomon erected an imposing pile of buildings to be used as idolatrous shrines. To please his wives, he placed huge idols, unshapely images of wood and stone, amidst the groves of myrtle and olive. There, before the altars of heathen deities, Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, and Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon, were practiced the most degrading rites of heathenism. Verse 7.{PK 57.1}[17]
§37
所罗门的行径招致了必然的刑罚。他由于与拜偶像的人交往而离弃了上帝，这就是他自取败亡。当他放弃效忠上帝之心时，他就丧失了自治之力。他道德的效能消失了，他那敏锐的见识迟钝了，他的良心也麻木了。他在初作王的时候曾表现何等大的智慧和同情心，将一个可怜的婴孩归还给那不幸的母亲（见王上3:16-28），如今他竟堕落到那么低下的地步，甚至同意建立一个偶像，并将活生生的孩童献为祭物。他在青年时赋有慎思明辨的能力，壮年时曾受圣灵感动写出“有一条路人以为正；至终成为死亡之路，”（箴14:12）谁知到了晚年却如此远离纯洁之路，竟去赞助那有关敬拜基抹和亚斯他录的荒淫可憎的仪式。他在奉献圣殿时曾对民众说：“你们当向耶和华我们的上帝存诚实的心，”（王上8:61）如今自己却成了犯罪者，在内心和生活上自食其言。他误以任性为自由。他妄想将光明与黑暗，善良与邪恶、纯洁与污秽、基督与彼列联合起来，但所付出的代价是多么惨重啊！[18]{PK 57.2}
§38
Solomons course brought its sure penalty. His separation from God through communication with idolaters was his ruin. As he cast off his allegiance to God, he lost the mastery of himself. His moral efficiency was gone. His fine sensibilities became blunted, his conscience seared. He who in his early reign had displayed so much wisdom and sympathy in restoring a helpless babe to its unfortunate mother (see 1 Kings 3:16-28), fell so low as to consent to the erection of an idol to whom living children were offered as sacrifices. He who in his youth was endowed with discretion and understanding, and who in his strong manhood had been inspired to write, There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12), in later years departed so far from purity as to countenance licentious, revolting rites connected with the worship of Chemosh and Ashtoreth. He who at the dedication of the temple had said to his people, Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God (1 Kings 8:61), became himself an offender, in heart and life denying his own words. He mistook license for liberty. He tried--but at what cost!--to unite light with darkness, good with evil, purity with impurity, Christ with Belial.{PK 57.2}[18]
§39
所罗门从一个空前执掌王权的伟大君王，一落而成为一个好色之徒，受人利用，被人役使了。他那一度高尚刚强的品格，竟变成衰弱优柔的了。他对于永生上帝的信仰，竟为无神主义的怀疑所取代了，不信摧毁了他的幸福，削弱了他的主义，败坏了他的生活。他在位初期所具有的公义与宽厚，竟变成了专制和暴虐。可怜脆弱的人性！人若丧失了倚靠上帝的心，上帝就不能再为他们作什么了。[19]{PK 58.1}
§40
From being one of the greatest kings that ever wielded a scepter, Solomon became a profligate, the tool and slave of others. His character, once noble and manly, became enervated and effeminate. His faith in the living God was supplanted by atheistic doubts. Unbelief marred his happiness, weakened his principles, and degraded his life. The justice and magnanimity of his early reign were changed to despotism and tyranny. Poor, frail human nature! God can do little for men who lose their sense of dependence upon Him.{PK 58.1}[19]
§41
在这些背道的年代中，以色列人灵性的衰落真是每下愈况了。当他们的王与撒但的爪牙结盟时，还能希望情形比这更好吗？仇敌利用这些爪牙淆乱以色列人的心智，使他们辨识不出真敬拜与假敬拜的分别；于是他们就成了容易被捕取的掠物了。以色列人既与他国通商，又与不爱上帝的人亲密来往，他们自己爱上帝的心就冷淡了。他们对于上帝崇高圣洁之品德的敏感也就麻木了。他们既不肯行在顺从的路上，就转而效忠公义的仇敌了。以色列人与拜偶像的人通婚既成了普遍的现像，他们很快就不再憎恨拜偶像的恶习了。多妻制风行一时。拜偶像的母亲教养子女从小遵行异教的礼节。在一些人的生活中，上帝所制定纯洁的宗教礼节，已被一种最黑暗的敬拜偶像的邪教所代替了。[20]{PK 58.2}
§42
During these years of apostasy, the spiritual decline of Israel progressed steadily. How could it be otherwise when their king had united his interests with satanic agencies? Through these agencies the enemy worked to confuse the minds of the Israelites in regard to true and false worship, and they became an easy prey. Commerce with other nations brought them into intimate contact with those who had no love for God, and their own love for Him was greatly lessened. Their keen sense of the high, holy character of God was deadened. Refusing to follow in the path of obedience, they transferred their allegiance to the enemy of righteousness. It came to be a common practice to intermarry with idolaters, and the Israelites rapidly lost their abhorrence of idol worship. Polygamy was countenanced. Idolatrous mothers brought their children up to observe heathen rites. In the lives of some, the pure religious service instituted by God was replaced by idolatry of the darkest hue.{PK 58.2}[20]
§43
基督徒应当保守自己与世界及其精神和影响判然有别。上帝足能保守我们在这世界之中，而我们却不可属于这个世界。他的爱乃是恒久不变的。他一向以不可量度的关注照顾他的子民。但他要人专一的忠顺。因为“一个人不能侍奉两个主；不是恶这个爱那个，就是重这个轻那个；你们不能又侍奉上帝，又侍奉玛门。”（太6:24）[21]{PK 59.1}
§44
Christians are to keep themselves distinct and separate from the world, its spirit, and its influences. God is fully able to keep us in the world, but we are not to be of the world. His love is not uncertain and fluctuating. Ever He watches over His children with a care that is measureless. But He requires undivided allegiance. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24.{PK 59.1}[21]
§45
所罗门赋有非常的智慧；但这个世界终于引诱他离弃了上帝。今日的世人并不比他更为坚强，他们一样容易屈服于那使他堕落的势力。上帝过去怎样将所罗门所有的危险警告他，今日他也同样警告他的儿女不可与世俗同化，因而危及自己的心灵。他告诫他们说：“你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们。我要作你们的父，你们要作我的儿女；这是全能的主说的。”（林后6:17-18）[22]{PK 59.2}
§46
Solomon was endued with wonderful wisdom, but the world drew him away from God. Men today are no stronger than he; they are as prone to yield to the influences that caused his downfall. As God warned Solomon of his danger, so today He warns His children not to imperil their souls by affinity with the world. Come out from among them, He pleads, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18.{PK 59.2}[22]
§47
兴盛之中潜伏着危险。历代以来，那与富足和尊荣而俱来的总是对于人类及心灵的祸患。我们最难保持平衡的，倒不是空的杯子；而是盛得满满的杯子。苦难和忧患固然使人悲愁；但最足以危害灵命的，却是繁荣兴盛。一个人若不经常顺服上帝的旨意，若不因真理而成圣，他的兴盛就一定会引起那招致僭越放恣的属肉体的癖性。[23]{PK 59.3}
§48
In the midst of prosperity lurks danger. Throughout the ages, riches and honor have ever been attended with peril to humility and spirituality. It is not the empty cup that we have difficulty in carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity may cause sorrow, but it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption.{PK 59.3}[23]
§49
在屈辱的幽谷中，人若倚靠上帝来教导他们，并引领他们的每一步路程，那就比较安全了。但那些俨然站在高峰之上，又因他们的地位而被人看为大有智慧的人，——这些人却正处于最大的危险之中。这样的人若不以上帝为他们的倚靠，他们就必定跌倒。[24]{PK 60.1}
§50
In the valley of humiliation, where men depend on God to teach them and to guide their every step, there is comparative safety. But the men who stand, as it were, on a lofty pinnacle, and who, because of their position, are supposed to possess great wisdom--these are in gravest peril. Unless such men make God their dependence, they will surely fall.{PK 60.1}[24]
§51
无论何时，人若放纵骄傲和野心，他的人生就要遭受亏损；因为骄傲的人既不觉得自己有需要，就关闭心门而不接纳上天的无穷恩惠了。那以自高自大为人生目的的人，必要发现：自己缺乏上帝的恩典，因为唯有借着他的丰盛，才能获得最可靠的财富和最令人满足的喜乐。但那奉献一切给基督而为他服务的人，必要体验到以下应许的实现：“耶和华所赐的福，使人富足，并不加上忧虑。”（箴10:22）救主用他的恩典温和地感化人心，从其中除去不安的情绪和不洁的奢望，变仇恨为仁爱，化疑惑为信任。当他向人的心灵说：“来跟从我”的时候，世界迷人的蛊惑就此被击破了。人一听到他的声音，心中所有贪图名利的精神就必消散，他们就能摆脱一切的束缚，而起来跟从他了。[25]{PK 60.2}
§52
Whenever pride and ambition are indulged, the life is marred, for pride, feeling no need, closes the heart against the infinite blessings of Heaven. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself destitute of the grace of God, through whose efficiency the truest riches and the most satisfying joys are won. But he who gives all and does all for Christ will know the fulfillment of the promise, The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22. With the gentle touch of grace the Saviour banishes from the soul unrest and unholy ambition, changing enmity to love and unbelief to confidence. When He speaks to the soul, saying, Follow Me, the spell of the worlds enchantment is broken. At the sound of His voice the spirit of greed and ambition flees from the heart, and men arise, emancipated, to follow Him.{PK 60.2}[25]