The Commandments of God are higher than all the treasures of the earth. Whoever has acquired them has received God within himself.

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

The man who follows Christ in solitary mourning is greater than he who praises Christ amid the congregation of men.

Love sinners, but hate their deeds, and do not disdain sinners for their failings, so that you yourself do not fall into the temptation in which they abide... Do not be angry at anyone and do not hate anyone, neither for their faith, nor for their shameful deeds... Do not foster hatred for the sinner, for we are all guilty... Hate his sins, and pray for him, so that you may be made like unto Christ, who had no dislike for sinners, but prayed for them.

The Lord bears all the weaknesses of men, but He does not bear a man who is always murmuring, and does not leave Him without chastisement.

No one can sense his own weakness is at least a small temptation is not allowed to afflict either his body or his soul. Then, comparing his weakness to the help of God, a man comes to know its magnitude. But whoever does not know that he needs God's help, let him make many prayers. Insofar as he multiplies them, in that measure will he be humbled.

The beginning of divine wisdom is clemency and gentleness, which arise from greatness of soul and the bearing of infirmities.