Wise elders are the support of the brethren, and the unwise will be quarrelsome.

Both God and people hate pride, but the Lord exalts those who love humility.

A monastery that adheres to good rules is a safe harbor; but those who have no control fall like leaves (Proverbs 11:14), because he who serves must serve as the Lord, from Whom he will receive a reward, and not as men; and he whom he serves must behave humbly, as the Lord would serve him.

Have you tasted bread and been satisfied? Give glory to God, Who has nourished you. And if you want to satisfy your belly with little, give glory to God who strengthened you, and do not say before everyone: "I have not sown even such and such a share of grain." What do you attribute to yourself with this? Do you not condemn only those who eat and give thanks?

Be patient with the Lord in the day of trouble, that He may cover you in the day of wrath.

Do not laugh at the grieved, do not rejoice when you see one who is corrupt, lest the Lord be angry with you, and you will not be left without protection in the day of trouble.

Do not persecute your brethren out of covetousness; for if this counsel is not from God, it will not be fulfilled; but if it is from God, then though you hide yourself in vessels, like Saul (1 Samuel 10:22), the Lord will take you from there and make you an elder over His people.

Who will not sigh when he sees that, having not shown in himself a single virtue of the monastic life, we covet the authorities?

Why do we often suffer shipwreck on land? Is it not from unbelief and ignorance? Not knowing how to wield an oar, we undertake to rule the feeder.

Who is more deceitful than a man who has sweet water and does not give drink to a thirsty soul? Or who is more envious than a man who has a useful book with him, and does not give it to his brother for his edification? But who is lazier than the thirsty man who sits near the fountain, and does not stretch out his hands to take water and quench his thirst? And who is more negligent than a man who owns a book, and neglects to read?

Work with him who needs to learn to read and write, so that, reading about the wondrous deeds of God, he may bless the wondrous name; and God will be your rewarder.

A monk in despondency is attacked by negligence, and when he has patience, arrogance attacks; but whoever truly loves the Lord turns away from himself both of them.

A lazy monk will suffer a loss in many ways, and a sober one will not neglect a single hour.

A monk who is lazy and fond of arguments will not gain glory for himself, because he provokes himself against himself.