If you practice an excellent virtue without perceiving the taste of its aid, do not marvel; for until a man becomes humble, he will not receive a reward for his labor. Recompense is given, not for labor, but for humility.

God requires not the doing of the commandments for their own sake, but the correction of the soul, for whose sake He established the commandments.

Do not waste this life in vain pursuits.

Why do you increase your bonds? Take hold of your life before your light grows dark and you seek help and do not find it. This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.

Above anything, welcome silence, for it brings fruits that no tongue can speak of, neither can it be explained.

This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.

Whoever can weep over himself for one hour is greater than the one who is able to teach the whole world; whoever recognizes the depth of his own frailty is greater than the one who sees visions of angels.