Diffidence is the better part of knowledge.
Submit your sentiments with diffidence. A dictatorial style, though it may carry conviction, is always accompanied with disgust.
Diffidence in an officer is a good mark because he will always endeavor to bring himself up to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty.
No pains must be spared to wipe out all feeling of diffidence, embarrassment, or shame on the part of those receiving relief; [we] must be one great family of equals. The spiritual welfare of those on relief must receive especial care and be earnestly and prayerfully fostered. A system which gives relief for work or service will go far to reaching these ends.
It may be remarked in general, that the laugh of men of wit is for the most part but a feint, constrained kind of half-laugh, as such persons are never without some diffidence about them; but that of fools is the most honest, natural, open laugh in the world.
We are as often duped by diffidence as by confidence.
Persons extremely reserved are like old enamelled watches, which had painted covers, that hindered your seeing what o'clock it was.
A tardiness in nature, Which often leaves the history unspoke, That it intends to do.
Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffidence falls short.
The true confidence which is faith in Christ, and the true diffidence which is utter distrust of myself--are identical.
Discretion has been termed the better part of valour, and it is more certain, that diffidence is the better part of knowledge.
Diffidence and awkwardness are antidotes to love.
Modesty and diffidence make a man unfit for public affairs; they also make him unfit for brothels.
Diffidence is a sort of false modesty.
