Selected quotes from St. Isaac the Syrian

"A man of the world who endures tribulation in worldly affairs in this life is superior to the monk who suffers hardships and dwells with worldly men. Dreadful to the demons and greatly beloved of God and His angels is the man who with ardent zeal uproots from his heart the assaults sown by the enemy."

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"When you do good to someone, do not await a recompense from him, and you will receive repayment from God on both accounts; and if you are able, neither do good so as to receive reward in the future age but rather, practice virtue because of the love of God."

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"Blessed is he who humbles himself in all things, for he will be exalted in all. For a man who for God's sake humble himself, and thinks meanly of himself, is glorified by God. The man who hungers and thirsts for God's sake, God will make drunk with His good things. And he who goes naked for God's sake is clad by Him in a robe of incorruption and glory. And he who becomes poor for His sake is consoled with His true riches."