Our inhuman enemy inspires the thought that God loves mankind, and that He quickly forgives this sin. But when we observe the guile of demons, then we see that after the commission of the sin, they suggest to us that… — 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
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
Pride is the utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness. — John Climacus Copy Share
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it. — John Climacus Copy Share
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
