If you cannot close the mouth of one who reviles his brother, at least avoid conversation with him.

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

When you want to direct someone toward the good, first put him at peace bodily and honor him with words of love. For nothing inclines such a man to shame and induces him to cast of his vice and be changed for the better as do bodily goods and honor, which he sees in you. Then, with love tell him a word or two, and do not be inflamed with anger toward him. Do not let him see any cause of enmity toward you. For love does not know how to lose its temper.

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.

Behold, for years and generations, the way of God has been leveled by the cross and by death. How is this with thee, that thou seest the afflictions of the way as if they were out of the way? Doest not thou wish to follow the steps of the saints? Or doest thou wish to go a way which is especially for thee, without suffering? the way unto God is a daily cross. No one can ascend unto heaven with comfort, we know where the way of comfort leads.

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