The beginning of evil is heedlessness.

God has given this way of life to Israel: to abstain from everything which is contrary to nature, that is to say, anger, fits of passion, jealousy, hatred and slandering the brethren; in short, everything that is characteristic of the old man.

Do not give your heart to that which does not satisfy your heart.

An old man said, We are not condemned because of our thoughts that enter us, but because we use our thoughts badly; our thoughts can cause us either to suffer shipwreck or to be crowned.

As far as you can, do some manual work so as to be able to give alms, for it is written that alms and faith purify from sin.

Will not God, who has commanded men to act thus, do as much himself and even more? For God commanded Peter to forgive till seventy times seven.

If a monk can overcome two things, he can become free from the world. Bodily ease and vain-glory.