We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that
We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, and every person is His work.
The holy teacher Saint Francis de Sales once proclaimed: “We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, and every person is His work.” In these words shines a divine reminder: to scorn a person is to scorn the hand of the Maker, for each soul is a sacred craft shaped by the Eternal Artisan. Just as the craftsman feels dishonor when his creation is belittled, so too is the Creator dishonored when His children are despised.
Every person bears within them the mark of divine workmanship, whether hidden in silence or revealed in deed. To undervalue them is blindness, for the human spirit carries mysteries beyond outward form, wealth, or station. The beggar in the street, the scholar in his chamber, the child at play—all alike are threads in the great tapestry of God’s work, each necessary, each precious.
Consider the wisdom of the workman: he labors with care, pouring time and soul into his craft. To dismiss that labor is to wound his heart. In the same way, when we mock or belittle another soul, we strike against the majesty of God, who fashioned them with infinite patience. Thus Saint Francis teaches that respect for one another is not courtesy alone—it is reverence for the Creator Himself.
The presence of God is not confined to temple or altar but walks among us in every face, in every voice, in every life. To honor others, then, is to worship; to despise them is to profane the sacred. This is why the saint counsels humility, compassion, and recognition of the divine image in all.
So let this truth endure: never undervalue any soul, for in doing so you dishonor its Maker. See in every person the touch of the divine workman, and let your words and deeds reflect the reverence due to God’s creation. In this lies both wisdom and holiness, the path by which men may live in harmony with heaven and with each other.
Ddangtranhainam
This quote really makes me reflect on how easily we fall into the trap of looking down on others based on their work or role. Saint Francis de Sales emphasizes that every person is God’s work, which implies that every individual, no matter their station in life, has immense value. How can we start embracing this perspective in our daily interactions and truly see everyone as worthy of respect and dignity?
SHSon Hoang
Saint Francis de Sales’ words are so profound in reminding us that we shouldn’t devalue anyone. It also suggests that every person has inherent value, irrespective of their job or social status. But how often do we catch ourselves doing the opposite—judging others based on their appearance or occupation? How can we work toward consistently seeing the divine in others, especially in moments where it’s hard to see beyond our own biases?
BTNguyen Bich Thuy
I love the idea that every person is a reflection of God’s work. It challenges me to rethink how I perceive others. But in a world where hierarchy and status play such a large role, how do we ensure we don't fall into the trap of devaluing someone based on their role or appearance? Is it possible to cultivate the habit of seeing the divine in everyone we meet, regardless of their circumstances?
TNTram Nguyen
This quote really speaks to the importance of humility and respect for all people. It makes me think about how we sometimes devalue others based on their roles or how society has positioned them. Saint Francis de Sales' point is powerful because if we consider every person as God's work, then how could we ever look down upon someone? Do we practice this enough in our interactions, or do we unconsciously judge based on external factors?
SNSang Nguyen
Saint Francis de Sales' quote reminds us of the inherent dignity of every person, something that’s often overlooked in our fast-paced, judgmental world. It challenges the idea that some people are more valuable than others based on their job, status, or appearance. If God is present in every person, does that mean we should treat each individual with reverence, no matter who they are or what they do? How can we foster a culture of respect that honors everyone's worth?