18. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Where there are none to instruct the people, and expound the will of God unto them, they first grow idle and careless, and then run into all licentiousness; till, growing refractory and ungovernable, they be abandoned by God to destruction: but when they are not only well taught, but also strictly observe the Laws of God, they remain in a prosperous and happy condition.
23. “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.” Proud and contumelious behavior, instead of procuring men respect, throws them into the contempt and hatred of all; and at last into destruction: but he whose meek and lowly mind makes him kind and obliging, shall be highly esteemed; and the esteem he hath shall be his support, when others fall to ruin.
25. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” As all inordinate fear bereaves a man of counsel and power to help himself; so he that stands in too great fear of what men can doe unto him, will be insnared in many sins, and perils also, to avoid their displeasure: but he that confides in the Lord, hath his wits always about him, and, being raised above such low considerations, preserves his integrity; and that, by God’s good providence over him, will preserve him in safety.
S. Patrick (1683)