To such people^[1] the word of the prophet can be applied most fittingly: The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They who say that nothing is seen by God almost deprive him of eyes and even take away substance from him. For when they say he sees nothing, they say he does not exist at all. Although no evil deed is based on reason, because crime cannot be joined with reason, there is no sin, I believe, more irrational or senseless. What is more insane than for anybody, who does not deny that God is the creator of the universe, to deny his governance? How does he admit that God created the world and neglects what he created? As if, indeed, he took pains in creating all things so that he would neglect what he had made!

Perhaps he calls them saints in this psalm in the same way that he calls them just in the Gospel when he says, I am not come to call the just but sinners,^[1] that is, those just who boast of the holiness of their race and the letter of the Law,^[2] to whom it is said, Do not boast of your father Abraham, for God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.^[3] This type is exemplified in the Pharisee^[4] who recited his good works in the temple, as if recalling them to an ignorant Lord, not praying to be heard but demanding the reward due to his good conduct. Yet, this was displeasing to God because he tore down by his pride what he had built up by his justice; he did not do this silently but at the top of his voice; and it is evident that he did not speak to divine ears, because he wished to be heard by people. Hence, he was not pleasing to God because he was pleasing to himself. For God has scattered the bones of people pleasing to themselves; they have been confounded, he says, because he has despised them, who does not despise a contrite and humbled heart.^[5]

Such a person^[1] not only cuts himself off from the rewards of his virtues but even lays himself open to being condemned to eternal punishment, because the good action, which ought to be performed in consideration of a merciful God, has been performed in order to gain praise. Take away the favors, take away people’s admiration, and you will find few who do something good either for the love of God, or barring that, for fear of God; yet no less is the blame with which we are tainted, because we place people before God and human glory before heavenly glory. This disease of pride is acute; it poisons from either side, and it wounds when least expected.^[2] For some boast of themselves because they are good, others because they are bad. Of the good who boast, it is said, For God has scattered the bones of those who are pleased with themselves.^[3] Of the evil who boast it is said, For the wicked person is praised in the desires of his soul, and the worker of injustice shall be blessed.^[4] There are also the words of the apostle: Their god is the belly, their glory is in their shame.^[5]