not being ashamed to learn himself
Athanasius, Life of Antony, section 67
Later in the Life of Antony, St. Athanasius remembers a respected ascetic who remained ready to ask questions. Antony listened to useful counsel and acknowledged when it benefited him. The man others sought for help was himself willing to learn. His reputation did not make teachability beneath him. Athanasius, Life of Antony, section 67
Athanasius places this willingness beside Antony’s regard for the Church’s clergy. The narrative describes respect for bishops, presbyters and deacons, including his giving place in prayer. We should retain that ecclesial setting. His example concerns humility within the Church, rather than independence from anyone’s care or instruction. Athanasius, Life of Antony, section 67
Proverbs describes a wise person receiving instruction and growing wiser. The passage connects receptiveness to wisdom rather than treating correction as a humiliation reserved for beginners. This provides a fitting comparison for Antony’s continuing willingness to be helped. Proverbs 9:8-9
An ordinary application is to hear useful counsel without making our reputation the subject of the conversation. Ask what is true, what can be learned and how it serves faithful conduct. Respect for the person speaking does not require accepting every claim unexamined. Antony’s own response was to recognize what was useful and acknowledge its benefit. Athanasius, Life of Antony, section 67
The occasion may come when someone younger or less prominent notices something we have missed. Receiving the help can become a concrete act of humility. Athanasius’s portrait invites us to remain learners as well as helpers, while Proverbs directs us toward the growth that instruction can bring. Wisdom has room to receive. Athanasius, Life of Antony, section 67
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Athanasius, Life of Antony. Source. Translated by H. Ellershaw. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 4. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1892.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2811.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: KJV, NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.