One of the fathers said: Beware of the brethren who praise you, and the thoughts of people who despise their neighbor; for we know nothing. The thief was on the cross, and in one word he was justified. Judas was numbered among the apostles, and in one night he destroyed all his labor, and descended from heaven into hell. Therefore let no one who does good boast; for all those who trusted in themselves fell in an instant (11:107).

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Abba Anthony said, "I have seen all the snares of the devil spread out on the earth, and sighing, he said, 'Who then goes around them?' And he heard a voice saying, "Humility of mind" (15:3).

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The elder said: in every temptation do not reproach a person, but only yourself, saying: "This has happened to me for my sins" (15:75).

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The devil appeared to one of the brethren, having been transformed into an angel of light, and said to him, "I am the Archangel Gabriel, and I have been sent to thee." "And the brother said, 'See if you have not been sent to another.' For I am not worthy to see an angel. - And the devil immediately became invisible (15:83).

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The elder was asked: how do some say that we see angels? - The elder answered: "Blessed is he who always sees his sins" (15:105).

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A certain brother, offended by another brother, came to Abba Sisoi of Thebes and said to him: "Such and such a brother has offended me; I want to note for myself. The elder exhorted him: no, child, it is better to leave the matter of vengeance to God. "My brother said, 'I will not rest until I avenge myself.' - Then the elder said: let us pray, brother! And getting up, the elder said: "God! Gosh! We have no need of Your care for us; for we ourselves do our vengeance. - The brother, hearing this, fell down at the feet of the elder, saying: "I will not sue my brother; Forgive me! (16, 12).

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A certain elder said: "If anyone remembers him who has insulted him, or dishonored him, or blamed him, or harmed him, then he should remember him as a physician sent from Christ, and he should consider him a benefactor; and to be offended by this is a sign of a sick soul. For if you were not sick, you would not suffer. You should rejoice over such a brother, because through him you will know your illness, you should pray for him and accept everything from him as a healing medicine sent from the Lord. But if you are offended against him, then with power you say to Christ: "I do not want to receive Your medicines, but I want to rot in my wounds" (16:16).

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