Ephrem the Syrian

The seed, swollen with moisture, burst asunder its covering of soil and out peers the blade of wheat, full of symbols. So…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Blessed the one who has become a good spiritual net and caught many for the good Lord, such a one will greatly…

— Ephrem the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power, and idle talk. But…

— Ephrem the Syrian

If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Like the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations.

— Ephrem the Syrian

Don't let your eyes look here and there, and don't look on someone elses' beauty, so that the devil will not conquer…

— Ephrem the Syrian

No one is truly poor but except the one who lacks the truth.

— Ephrem the Syrian

It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.

— Ephrem the Syrian

Prayer is converse with God, equal honor with the Angels, progress in good things, averting of evils, righting of sinners.

— Ephrem the Syrian

Be a lamp in brightness, and make the works of darkness cease, so that whenever your doctrine shines, no one may dare…

— Ephrem the Syrian

O Lord, we cannot go to the pool of Siloe to which you sent the blind man. But we have the chalice…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Who is far from love is a bad state, and to be pitied. He passes his days in a delirious dream, far…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Blessed the one who has kept the mastery of his eyelids and has not deceived himself with either mind or sense with…

— Ephrem the Syrian

The fear of God illumines the soul, annihilates evil, weakens the passions, drives darkness from the soul and makes it pure. The…

— Ephrem the Syrian

They went down to Egypt and provided food when famine reigned; they came to the obstinate sea, and taught it wisdom with…

— Ephrem the Syrian

When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, pray to God thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears and…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Not only men, but also women, the weaker sex, in going by the narrow path of Christ have received for themselves the…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Blessed the one who, exalted by love, has become a city founded upon a mountain, from which the enemy, when he saw…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Blessed the one who continually humbles himself willingly; he will be crowned by the One who willingly humbled himself for our sake.

— Ephrem the Syrian

If you wish to help someone, give secretly and avoid arrogance.

— Ephrem the Syrian

You victorious martyrs who endured torments gladly for the sake of God and Savior, you who have boldness of speech toward the…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sin and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed…

— Ephrem the Syrian

“Have mercy, O Lord, on my children, In my children, Call to mind your childhood, You who were a child. Let them…

— Ephrem the Syrian

The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like…

— Ephrem the Syrian

Anyone who wants to be an example to others, must first examine himself.

— Ephrem the Syrian