HOW TO ADMONISH THE IMPUDENT AND THE TIMID

The impudent (or insolent or fresh) should be restrained by harsh reproofs; the timid or shy must be admonished by gentle exhortation.  The impudent will never know they are at fault unless reproved by many; the timid is converted by gentle reminders of their evil deeds.  

The impudent must be corrected by direct reproof; the timid by insinuations.  Thus, Christ openly upbraided the impudent Jews: "Thou hadst a harlot's forehead."  But to the timid, He speaks thus:  "Thus shalt forget the shame of thy. . .youth."  

Paul openly rebukes the impudent Galatians:  "You senseless Galatians. . ."  Thu, harsh invectives are used to correct the faults of the impudent; gentle words, to cloak the negligence of the timid.  

St. Gregory the Great: Pastoral Care, Chapter 7, Part III

(05-18-05)

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