A characteristic of those who are still progressing in blessed mourning is temperance and silence of the lips; and of those who have made progress - freedom from anger and patient endurance of injuries; and of the perfect - humility,… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
An angel fell from Heaven without any other passion except pride, and so we may ask whether it is possible to ascend to Heaven by humility alone, without any other of the virtues. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
When people begin to praise us, let us hurry to remember the multitude of ours transgressions, and we will see that we are truly… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
He does not show humility who accuses himself (for who will not accept rebukes from himself?), but he who, being rebuked by another, does… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Pride is the utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
A discerning man, when he eats grapes, takes only the ripe ones and leaves the sour. Thus also the discerning mind carefully marks the… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Do not stop praying as long as, by God's grace, the fire and the water have not been exhausted, for it may happen that… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Holy love has a way of consuming some. This is what is meant by the one who said, 'You have ravished our hearts' (Sg.… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Someone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
It can happen that when we are at prayer some brothers come to see us. Then we have to choose either to interrupt our… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
When a man has found the Lord, he no longer has to use words when he is praying, for the Spirit Himself will intercede… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Humility is the only virtue that no devil can imitate. If pride made demons out of angels, there is no doubt that humility could… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it. — John Climacus Copy Share Image
When you are depressed, bear in mind the Lord's command to Peter to forgive a sinner seventy times seven (cf. Mt. 18:22). And you… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
