Everyone who asks something of God and does not receive it doubtless does not receive it for one of these reasons: either… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Even though one is well advanced in virtue, should he stop mortifying himself, he soon would lose his modesty and virtue -… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Forgetting offences is a sign of sincere repentance. If you keep the memory of them, you may believe you have repented but… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Those who submit to the Lord with simple heart will run the good race. If they keep their minds on a leash,… — 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… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Confession is like a bridle that keeps the soul which reflects on it from committing sin, but anything left unconfessed we continue… — 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… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Do not be surprised if you fall every day and do not surrender. Stand your ground bravely and you may be sure… — John Climacus Copy Share Image
Fire and water do not mix, neither can you mix judgment of others with the desire to repent. If a man commits… — 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… — 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
