Live in such a manner as though each day were to be your last, - and you will never sin before God.
Vanity destroys the good deeds of the man who shows off these deeds to others.
If the mouth of a vessel containing wine is left open, mosquitoes and flies gather there and spoil the wine. The soul sustains similar damage from wordiness, from empty and frivolous conversations.
The one who places hope in the transitory world is blind. But if he, rejecting this object of hope, transfers it to God’s pledges, then he has regained his spiritual sight.
A person who feels enmity towards his neighbor, who is filled with hate and envy towards him, who speaks ill of him, is like a leper. For that reason he, like the ancient lepers of the people of Israel, is forbidden to enter the house of God. If he rejects these vices, he becomes cleansed.
There is natural anger, without which one cannot acquire purity; one cannot acquire it if we do not become angry at everything that the enemy sows within us. But this righteous anger is replaced within us by anger at our neighbors, often for the most paltry, insignificant reasons.
Hate of one’s neighbors expels all virtues from us.
In our times the universe is being punished by God’s wrath. Knowing this, do not be troubled. Strengthen your hearts with the following thought: “What do these afflictions signify in comparison with the tortures of hell, to which we will be consigned for our sins?”
Out of earthly love and glory deceit is born.
Do not seek friendship with the famous of the earth, in order that the glory of God not become extinguished in your heart.
Whoever acts deceitfully in regard to his brother, will not be able to avoid sorrow of the heart.
Venerable Abba Isaiah.