"Poor human reason, when it trusts in itself, substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts"

John Chrysostom's quote, "Poor human reason, when it trusts in itself, replaces the strangest absurdities for the highest divine principles", communicates a profound commentary on the restrictions of human thinking when it is without assistance from a higher, divine source. This statement recommends that human reasoning, while effective, has inherent constraints. When people place complete rely on human thinking alone, without acknowledging a higher order or divine wisdom, they run the risk of distorting or misconstruing profound facts.

Using the term "bad" signifies the frailty and imperfection innate in human cognition. Chrysostom emphasizes that human reason is not inherently flawed, but it becomes 'poor' or lacking when it is isolated from the divine. This suggests that real understanding or wisdom goes beyond human intellect and is rooted in a magnificent source. The phrase "when it rely on itself" underscores the threat of self-reliance and intellectual conceit. Chrysostom cautions versus the hubris of thinking that human thinking alone suffices to grasp the complexity of magnificent realities.

"Substitutes the strangest absurdities" indicate the sort of misunderstandings and mistakes that can occur when human reason operates in isolation. Without the guidance of magnificent wisdom, individuals might concoct ideas and beliefs that appear logical within a minimal human structure however are, in essence, significantly removed from deeper realities. This could include misconceptions about morality, presence, and the nature of the universe.

Lastly, "for the highest magnificent concepts" suggests the lofty and frequently incomprehensible nature of divine realities. These are not quickly grasped through human intellect alone; they require assistance, humility, and often faith. Chrysostom is promoting for a synthesis of reason and faith, suggesting that the highest understanding originates from an unified relationship between human intellect and divine assistance.

In essence, Chrysostom's statement is a cautionary suggestion of the constraints of human logic and the requirement of looking for wisdom beyond oneself to truly comprehend extensive truths.