Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

When a person becomes prideful, haughty, and excessively ambitious in this world, he should make an accounting with himself as follows. He should reflect on his position in creation between the supernal and the terrestrial creatures; it will become clear to him that he is small and insignificant among God’s creations, as I explained when dealing with this theme in the Sixth Gate of this book.
Then, let him consider how God has granted dignity to man by giving him dominion over the various animals, plants, and inanimate objects, as it is written: “You have made him master over the works of Your hands, placed all things at his feet” (Tehillim 8:7); by acquainting him with the statutes of His Torah; and by giving him knowledge of all secrets, beneficial to him, of the upper and lower realms of this world.
Let him consider how God has elevated man in that he may offer praise and thanksgiving to his Creator, and call Him when in trouble, and by God’s answering him in times of distress; further, in that He chose a human being, sent him as messenger to His creatures, communicated to him the secrets of His power, and revealed wonders through him.
Add to this all the favors — hidden and apparent, material and spiritual, general and unique — too numerous to recount, bestowed upon us in lovingkindness and grace.
Consider, my brother, how insignificant you are, how petty your affairs, and yet how your Creator has exalted you — though He does not need you, though you are so dependent on His providence and rule. Show regard for this excellent crown with which He has crowned you, for the high degree to which He has elevated you in this world, and for the great reward which He has reserved for you in the World-to-Come, by devoting yourself to His service and expressing your gratitude to Him.
Do not let the fact that God has elevated you through His graces and favors, as I have mentioned, lead you to become proud of your condition, to glory in yourself, or to exalt yourself because of God’s kindness to you. Do not think that you deserve this, that you are worthy of it, or that it benefits you.
On the contrary, cling to humility, modesty, and lowliness — which, if you admit your true station in the context of God’s creation, are fitting for you — just as a powerless, lowly, and unimportant servant would be bound to remain lowly in his own sight, were his master, out of kindness toward him, to promote him and place him among his chosen ones. This servant’s self-image should remain as it was originally, before his master overwhelmed him with grace. He should not act proudly in his master’s presence nor be proud of the honor and prominence he attained. He should not ply his master with requests in a presuming way, but should rather leave his interests in his master’s hands, trusting in him and relying on his goodness.
It is told of one of the righteous that after reciting his prayers he would add the following: “My God, I am emboldened to stand before You not by ignorance of my own paltry stature and inadequate knowledge of Your greatness and transcendence; for You are high and exalted, and I am of too little account, too lowly and small, to petition You, to praise and sing hymns to You, or to sanctify Your Name, which is sanctified by the voices of the high and holy angels. Rather, what has emboldened me to it is that You have uplifted me, by commanding me to pray to You, and have permitted me to praise Your exalted Name, according to my understanding of You and my grasp of Your glory; also, that I may express my service to You and my humility before You.
“You know what is best for me and the ways in which I should be guided. I have informed You of my needs, not so as to call Your attention to them, but that I may be conscious of my great need of You and of my trust in You. If I should ask You, in my ignorance, for something that is not good for me or of no benefit to me, Your exalted choice is better than my choice. And so I leave all my interests to Your lasting determination and supernal governance, as David, peace be upon him, said: ‘God, my heart is not haughty, my eyes are not raised high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and mysterious for me. Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is with me like a weaned child’ (Tehillim 131:1–2).”