Enduring Words of Truth

A proud and miserly man never rests, whereas he who is poor and humble of heart lives in a world of peace. The humble live in continuous peace, while the proud are often consumed by envy and resentment.

Do not open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and fears God.

Do not flatter the rich, nor be eager to be seen in the presence of the great. Associate chiefly with the humble and simple, the holy and devout, and let your conversation with them be on edifying subjects.

Do not be familiar with any woman, but generally commend all good women to God!

If we were to uproot one vice each year, we should soon become perfect men.

The origin of all evil temptations is instability of spirit and lack of trust in God.

Fire tempers iron and temptation steels the just. Often, we do not know what we can stand, but temptation shows us what we are.

Resist from the outset; once disease has gained the upper hand through prolonged delay, the remedy is too late.

Keep your eye turned inwardly upon yourself, and beware of judging the actions of others. In judging others, a man labours in vain, often makes mistakes and easily sins; but in examining and judging himself, he is always fruitfully employed.