Thomas A Kempis - Imitation 1.2 in Modern English

Again, this translation is done with an eye to preserving the author's spirit and wordcraft as well as meaning. It's more of a line-by-line remake of the author's points, with an intent to keep the pace, force, and flavor as much as possible. 

Humble Self-Awareness

Naturally in every man there is a desire to know, but what is the use of knowledge without reverence toward God? For practical purposes, better a peasant who serves God than a proud philosopher who ignores the way of heaven. He who knows himself well is humble, and isn't thrilled by human praise. If I knew everything in the world and had no love, what would it gain before God, who is to judge me on actions?

Rest from too much desire for learning, which incite to distraction and deceit. The learned desire to be seen as learned and to be called wise. There are many things to know that give little or no profit to the soul. He is very foolish who focuses more on such things instead of those that serve his soul’s health. Many words do not satisfy the soul, but a good life refreshes the mind, and a pure conscience gives great confidence towards God.

The more and better you know, the more seriously you shall be judged unless you live in a holy way. Don't brag on your skill or knowledge; but rather fear concerning the knowledge which is given to you. If it seems to you that there are many things you know and understand well enough, consider that there are many more things you do not know. Do not admit your deep wisdom but your ignorance. Why do you wish to be preferred to another when there are many more learned and more skilled in the Scripture than you? If you want to know anything usefully, love to be unknown and to have no reputation. 

It is the highest and most useful lesson when a man truly knows himself and becomes humble. To account nothing of the self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom. If you see someone sin openly or seriously, still do not count yourself better, because there is no telling how long you'll stay in good standing. All of us are fragile; do not imagine anyone else more fragile than yourself.