Saint Francis: "I do not want my brothers to be passionate about knowledge or books"

Source: Berthaumier 1863

My brothers, those who allow themselves to be led by a frivolous love of knowledge will find their hands empty on the day of tribulation. That is why I would like to see all my brothers strengthen themselves in the practice of virtues so that they may have the Lord with them in their distress during times of trial.

Tribulation will come, know this, and then books, being of no use, will be thrown out the windows or relegated to some corner.

I do not want my brothers to be passionate about knowledge or books; I want them to be rooted in holy humility, to imitate pure simplicity, sacred prayer, and the poverty of the Lord.

This alone is the sure path for their own salvation and for the edification of others. Jesus Christ, whom the brothers are called to imitate, has shown us this single way; He has taught it to us both through His words and by His example.

Many brothers, under the pretext of edifying others, will set aside their vocation, that is, holy humility, pure simplicity, prayer, devotion, and the poverty of the Lord.

They will think that by delving into the Scriptures, they will be filled with greater devotion, inflamed with love, and illuminated with the knowledge of God. Yet, in doing so, they may find themselves becoming cold and empty in their souls. They will no longer be able to return to their original vocation because they will have wasted in vain and fruitless study the time that should have been spent living according to that very vocation.