Let them push you, but do not push; Let them crucify you, but do not crucify. Let them insult, but do not insult. Let them slander, but do not slander. Be meek, and do not be zealous in evil.

Draw nigh to the righteous, and through them you will draw nigh to God. Communicate with those who possess humility, and you will learn morals from them. A man who follows one who loves God becomes rich in the mysteries of God; but he who follows an unrighteous and proud man gets far away from God, and will be hated by his friends.

There is no man who will not be grieved at the time of his chastisement; and there is not man who will not endure a bitter time, when he must drink the poison of temptations. Without them, it is not possible to obtain a strong will. When he has often experienced the help of God in temptations, a man also obtains strong faith.

Whoever prematurely begins a work that is above his strength receives nothing, but only brings harm upon himself.

Speech is the organ of this present world. Silence is the mystery of the world to come.

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

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