Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.

Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father's advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience.

Idleness is the enemy of the soul; and therefore the brethren ought to be employed in manual labor at certain times, at others, in devout reading.

Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.

The first step of humility is unhesitating obedience which comes naturally to those who cherish Christ above all.

Then are they truly monks when they live by the labor of their hands.

He who labors as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.