Saint John Climacus on Gossip and True Humility

Saint John Climacus teaches that when someone speaks badly of you, whether behind your back or to your face, you must not let their words turn your heart against them. The response is to continue loving them. He explains that true humility is not demonstrated simply by speaking lowly of yourself. Rather, it is proven when you are insulted by another person and still refuse to return hatred.

This teaching addresses the common experience of being gossiped about or directly insulted, and it sets a high standard for Christian love and humility. The saint identifies the real test of humility not in self-deprecating words but in the reaction to mistreatment from others. The teaching is brief and direct, focusing on the interior disposition required when facing slander or insult.