60 St. Jerome Quotes That Reflect His Wisdom and Spiritual Insight

St. Jerome (c. 347–420) was a Christian scholar and theologian, best known for translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate). He dedicated his life to understanding and interpreting Scripture, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire believers and scholars alike. Below, you’ll find a collection of his quotes about Scripture, faith, morality, spiritual growth, and human relationships. Each quote offers a glimpse into St. Jerome’s mind and heart, reminding us of the enduring value of humility, discipline, and a devout study of the Word.

St. Jerome on Scripture and Faith

• “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
• “When we pray, we speak to God; when we read, God speaks to us.”
• “Let holy reading be always at hand; sleep may fall upon you as you study.”
• “There can be no true faith without knowledge of the Scriptures.”
• “Read often, learn all you can. Let sleep find you holding your Bible.”
• “The Bible is shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for scholars to swim in.”
• “To be a follower of Christ, one must stand firm in Scripture and remain steadfast in conscience.”
• “Study the writings of the prophets and the apostles every day, so that your mind will not be swayed by the illusions of the world.”
• “Hold fast to the traditions which you have received, whether by word or by our epistle.”
• “Only by exploring the Word with humility do we truly understand the essence of our faith.”
• “Meditate day and night on the Law of the Lord, and you shall be like a tree planted by running waters.”
• “The Word of God is its own best interpretation; for He alone can reveal His truth to those who seek.”

St. Jerome on Christian Living

• “It is better to learn late than never.”
• “Nothing is hard for the person who wills it; still less is anything difficult for the person who loves.”
• “Haste is from the devil, slowness from God.”
• “Always think of God and you will find Him everywhere.”
• “Be ever engaged, so that whenever the devil calls, he may find you occupied.”
• “Dwell in the presence of the Lord, and you will not fear the trials of life.”
• “Virtue is never solitary; it draws others in.”
• “A careless and lukewarm Christian is a contradiction in terms.”
• “The glory of God is man fully alive, but man cannot be alive without God’s grace.”
• “Sanctify yourself, and you will sanctify society.”
• “It is not enough to refrain from sin, one must also do good.”
• “A Christian should guard their heart against bitterness; for bitterness roots out charity.”

St. Jerome on Morality and Virtue

• “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.”
• “Virginity can be lost by a thought.”
• “The friendship that can cease has never been real.”
• “Do not let your mind be carried away by any fierce passion.”
• “My speech is consonant with my conduct: my life is an open book.”
• “The scars of others should teach us caution.”
• “He that is unconscious of guilt, cannot easily be moved by reproof.”
• “True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.”
• “Resist the beginnings; remedies come too late.”
• “A friend is long sought, hardly found, and with difficulty kept.”
• “An idle mind is a breeding ground for sin.”
• “We must avoid many things, not because they are wrong, but because they can lead to wrongdoing.”

St. Jerome on Spiritual Growth

• “The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home.”
• “The path to holiness is paved with humility and self-denial.”
• “Cut away what is extraneous, and nourish your soul with what is eternal.”
• “Fasting and prayer are the wings that lift us toward heaven.”
• “If you wish to rise, begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? First lay the foundation of humility.”
• “True faith grows when tested by trials, for in hardship, virtue is born.”
• “Pride creeps even into the holiest acts; watch carefully.”
• “When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.”
• “Never look to yourself for strength; look to God.”
• “In quiet and rest, the soul finds its place before God.”
• “Let the fragrance of your life breathe out virtue.”
• “Forget not the dryness of desert times; they teach dependence on the Lord.”

St. Jerome on Friendship and Community

• “The friendship that cannot forgive is not worthy of the name.”
• “A friend’s wounds can be trusted, but an enemy’s kisses are deceitful.”
• “Live in such a way that you teach others by example, not just by words.”
• “No friendship can be truly secure, unless tested by adversity.”
• “Genuine love of neighbor is shown in deeds, not in words.”
• “If you want to help others, share with them the truth that has been entrusted to you.”
• “Friendship thrives on mutual respect, honesty, and a shared pursuit of virtue.”
• “We must care for our brothers and sisters, for in them we serve Christ Himself.”
• “Communion in the body of Christ binds us closer than any worldly bond.”
• “Be patient with one another; all of us are fighting hidden battles.”
• “The best relationships are built on trust that stands firm even when tested by trials.”
• “A friend who is with you in sorrow is worth a thousand who share in your joy.”

How to Apply St. Jerome’s Wisdom in Daily Life

Reading and reflecting on quotes can spark inspiration, but how do we make St. Jerome’s wisdom an active part of our routines? Here are some practical suggestions:

1. Study Scripture Regularly
   Set aside dedicated time to read and meditate on spiritual texts. St. Jerome believed that deeper knowledge of the Word leads to stronger faith and clearer guidance in daily decisions.
2. Embrace Humility
   Whether you’re at work or with family, recognize that we all have more to learn. In moments of conflict, choose listening over defensiveness.
3. Practice Forgiveness
   St. Jerome highlighted the importance of true friendship and the necessity of forgiving faults. The next time someone upsets you, consider letting go of resentment and offering understanding.
4. Live Out Your Convictions
   Jerome insisted that words must match actions. Aim to let your daily behavior reflect your principles—honesty, kindness, and consistency build integrity.
5. Support Others’ Growth
   Through his commentaries and letters, Jerome guided many in their faith journey. Share knowledge, help others solve problems, and encourage spiritual or personal improvement.

By merging these steps with genuine reflection, you move from simply reading quotes to embodying St. Jerome’s guidance. Over time, such a lifestyle leads to deeper faith, more authentic relationships, and a well-grounded sense of purpose.

Final Note

St. Jerome’s legacy spans centuries, but his words still resonate in today’s world. They remind us that genuine spirituality involves humility, discipline, and compassion for others. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, practicing moral integrity, and nurturing true friendships, we can reflect the virtues that St. Jerome so passionately advocated. May these quotes inspire you to delve deeper into faith and to live each day with a heart anchored in genuine love and wisdom.