A soul enlightened by the light of Christ knows good, but an unenlightened soul does not see good. (104, 608).
Without love there is no good. Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk (104, 609).
While a person does evil, he cannot do good, but can only do evil under the guise of good. Abba Isaiah (82, 234).
Anger does not destroy anger. But if anyone does you evil, do good to him, so that good deed destroy anger. Venerable Pimen the Great (82, 345).
“A good man brings good things out of a good treasure, and an evil man brings evil things out of an evil treasure” (). What you put into the treasury is what you will receive: if you put copper, you will take copper. Of course, copper can be passed off as gold, but a connoisseur will immediately recognize the forgery. How can we make sure that in our treasury there is only gold, that is, in our heart there is only goodness? The heart, by nature, is a treasure of good - evil came later. Take the anatomical knife of attention and ruthlessness towards yourself; separate out the unnatural and cut it off. The evil will depart one by one, and the good will strengthen and expand. Finally, only one good thing will remain. It's all about how to define natural and unnatural. Often what is natural is called unnatural; and what is unnatural is called natural; evil is called good, and good is called evil. Look at what the Lord says in the Gospel and the holy apostles in their writings, and according to their instructions, determine what is natural. So you will finally collect a lot of good things and carry them out of your heart. Pray to the Holy Spirit: “Treasure of good things, keep good things in my heart!” Saint Theophan the Recluse (107, 222–223).
Not only is sin harmful to us, but even goodness is harmful when we do it at the wrong time and not in the right amount (109, 293).
Evil, being a lack of good, can only apply to limited rational creatures in which good is limited. God is infinite and His goodness is infinite (109, 82).
Our fall does not consist in the destruction of good from our nature - it is hallmark the fall of rejected angels, but in the mixing of our natural good with evil that is unnatural for us. Therefore, our fallen nature has good deeds and virtues characteristic of it... Good deeds and virtues, defiled by an admixture of evil, are unworthy of God (109, 330).
In fallen human nature, good is mixed with evil. The evil that has come into man is so mixed and merged with the natural good of man that natural good can never act separately, without evil also acting together (109, 364).
The apostle excellently describes the mixture of good and evil in fallen man, left to his own efforts to create good, and, of necessity, evil penetrates from nature, distorts this good and overthrows the plans of the mind, which vainly attempts to introduce true service to God into the spiritual temple. (109, 365).
Virtue can be wrong, and evil can wear the guise of virtue. Our natural good is mixed with evil, damaged by it... And our limitations and state of decline require that our actions must be preceded by consideration (111, 203).
It is necessary to lose the very concept of evil, as if it did not exist at all, otherwise the concept of good cannot be complete, pure, perfect (111, 523).
It is not enough to be good by nature, you need to be good according to the Gospel (111,537).
Beware of doing the good of a fallen nature. 112,45).
A young man with a fiery and strong soul, like Pavel, if he took on something, then with all the ardor; his heart itself was prone to immoderate jealousy, and Pharisaism provided a lot of food for it. From the personal properties of his character, as well as from his own testimony, we can conclude that he tried to surpass his contemporaries in legal righteousness, as the Pharisees understood it. And this was not without the intention of Providence. The more zealous his desire for holiness was, the more he had to fight some of the inclinations of his fiery and strong nature, especially since I had occasions to become convinced that there is evil in man that cannot be tamed by the bridle of the law alone; that a person can know good, but cannot always create it, that he involuntarily, with all his good disposition, is carried away by the power of ungodly inclinations from good to evil. Paul, of course, would never have described this state so vividly and accurately in the seventh chapter of his letter to the Romans if he had not known it from his own experience. And the fact that he switched to Christianity from a sect in which they took every precaution, put all sorts of barriers against the power of desires and passions, and tried by all means to force themselves to do good, was very important for Paul. Having experienced all these measures for himself and learned their weakness, he could, as the representative of all people with zealous moral aspirations, testify by his own experience how deep in human nature lies the need for redemption. After this, also from his own experience, he could determine the relationship of inner freedom, resulting from faith in redemption, to legal slavery. Archpriest Alexander (Gorsky) (114, 271).
One of the fathers asked the great Abba Nisterius, a friend of Abba Anthony: “What good should I do?” Abba answered him: “Aren’t all things equal? Scripture says: Abraham was hospitable - and God was with him. Elijah loved silence - and God was with him, David was meek - and God was with him. And so see: whatever your soul desires according to God, do it, and guard your heart.” Memorable tales (79, 177).
VIRTUE
The goal of virtue is to get closer to God
The reward of virtue is to become a god, to be illuminated by the purest light, contemplated in the Trinity Unit, from Which we now have barely a few rays. Strive for this and succeed in this, be inspired by this thought, trusting in Eternal Life. Don’t stop your hopes at anything until you reach the coveted peak. Saint Basil the Great (9, 235).
If the soul does good deeds, the Holy Spirit dwells in it. Venerable Abba Isaiah (34, 173).
Virtue leads us to that wondrous original beauty that man possessed, being created in the image of God and likeness (40, 840).
Let us practice virtue, there is great wealth and a great miracle in it - it brings true freedom. Saint John Chrysostom (41, 361).
Anyone who wants to achieve true sonship with God must do good out of love for the good itself. Venerable John Cassian the Roman (Abba Heremon 53, 375).
When the mind forgets the goals of piety, then obvious virtue becomes useless. Rev. Mark the Ascetic (54, 33).
He who has acquired the strength to do good deeds becomes worthy of God's blessing. (4, 213).
Excel in virtues to become closer to the Angels. Saint Basil the Great (8, 51).
The soul of each of us is like a lamp, doing good is like oil, love is the wick on which the grace of the Divine Spirit rests like light. When there is a lack of oil, that is, good deeds, then love dries up and the light of Divine grace... goes out, because virtue and love, disappearing, take away grace-filled gifts with them. When God turns away His face, complete darkness sets in. Saint Gregory Palamas (65, 17).
Do not allow your heart to become indecent, nourishing evil thoughts in it, try to make it good. Seek goodness and peace, strive to perform all holy virtues. Venerable Anthony the Great (82, 25).
To those who begin serving God, only an image of the virtues is revealed—a superficial understanding of them. If he does not undertake the feat by deed himself, then he will not be able to approach God through an active and significant understanding of the virtues (82, 175).
Three virtues, when the mind sees them in itself, serve as a sign for it that it has achieved immortality: reasoning, distinguishing good from evil in all cases, timely foresight of both good and evil, freedom from external influence. Abba Isaiah (82, 185).
Corporal virtues must correspond to spiritual ones, mental ones to spiritual ones, and spiritual ones to the knowledge of God. (47, 196).
Even one who began in childhood and used unflagging care throughout his life until late old age will hardly impress upon himself the original virtue; What kind of effort is required for those who did not care about this in the past years? Venerable Neil of Sinai (49.158).
Christians are children of God who are transformed into the image of God according to the measure given to man (6, 413).
Christians are members of Christ who are perfect in every operation of the commandments of the Lord or the gift of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the dignity of the Head, which is Christ. Saint Basil the Great (6, 413).
The Lord rewards us with great gifts, if only we sincerely believe and never waver in our thoughts (38, 407).
Let us not do carelessly that on which our salvation depends. The higher virtue is required of us in proportion to the higher gifts we have received. (38, 237).
Neither Baptism, nor remission of sins, nor knowledge, nor participation in the sacraments, nor the sacred meal, nor eating the Body of Christ, nor the communion of the Blood and nothing else can benefit us if we do not have a right and honest life and clean from all sin . Saint John Chrysostom (113, 7).
Having listed the virtues about which one should have every care after receiving the powers of grace, the apostle, in encouragement to this, said: “If this is in you and multiplies, then you will not be left without success and fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (). Let us only add that these virtues require not only repeated manifestation, they must always abide in us, be inherent in us, rooted in us. And they should not remain at the same level, but more and more multiply and grow in strength and fruitfulness. Only in this case, says the Savior, will you have success and not remain fruitless in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who believes in Him and confesses Him enters into the knowledge of the Lord. Do you believe? - He says. - See, do not leave this faith idle and fruitless. - What must I do so that my faith is not like this? - Achieve in every virtue. - Where those who claim that “believe is enough”, nothing more is needed ?! – Whoever thinks so is blind () (107, 24–25).
“He who is not with Me is against Me; and whoever does not gather with Me scatters” (). It turns out that you can work for a whole century and think that you have collected a lot of all sorts of good things, but everything is of no use if it was not collected with the Lord. What does it mean to gather with the Lord? To work and act by faith in the Lord, according to His commandments, with the help of His grace, inspired by His promises - to live so that the spirit of life is the spirit of Christ. There are two areas in the world - good and evil, truth and lies. Only goodness and truth constitute real possessions, lasting and valuable; but good and truth come only from the Lord, and are acquired only with His help. It is clear that whoever does not collect with the Lord will not collect truth and goodness - he will not collect what can be called real property, lasting and valuable. If, apart from this, nothing can be called durable and valuable, then no matter what anyone collects, it’s all not for future use, it’s all in vain, a waste of time and effort. (107, 363–364).
"Lazarus! get out" (). Whoever has the hardworking Martha - all-round good deeds, and Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus - an attentive and warm appeal to the Lord with all her heart, the Lord Himself will come to him and resurrect Lazarus - his spirit, and release him from all bonds of soul and body. Then it will truly begin for him new life– incorporeal in the body and unearthly on earth. And this will be a true resurrection in the spirit before the future resurrection with the body! (107, 92).
At the Meeting of the Lord, he is surrounded, on the one hand, by righteousness, which expects salvation not in itself - Simeon, and a strict life in fasting and prayer, enlivened by faith - Anna; on the other hand, essential, comprehensive and unshakable purity - the Virgin Mother of God, and humble, silent submission and devotion to the will of God - Joseph the Betrothed. Transfer all these spiritual states into your heart and you will meet the Lord who is not brought to you, but Himself coming to you, you will accept Him into the arms of your heart and sing a song that will pass through the heavens and delight all the Angels and saints. Saint Theophan the Recluse (107, 47–48).
Virtue is every word, deed and thought that is in accordance with the law of God (104, 609).
Virtue is the fruit of spiritual wisdom (104, 609).
Virtue is a sign of a spiritually living person (104, 609).
True virtue consists in the victory of oneself, in the desire to do not what the corruptible nature wants, but what the holy will of God wants, to submit one’s will to the will of God and to overcome evil with good, to overcome pride with humility, with meekness and patience - anger, with love - hatred. This is a Christian victory, more glorious than the victory over the nations. God demands this from us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but conquer evil with good” () (104, 610).
He who serves Jesus has a reward here too. For true virtue is its own reward. Where there is true virtue, there is love; where there is love, there is a good and calm conscience, where there is a calm conscience, there is peace and tranquility, where there is peace and tranquility, there is consolation and joy (104, 611).
A Christian must imitate Christ in virtues. Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk (104, 614).
The soul, thanks to the gospel virtues, plunges deeper and deeper into humility and in the depths of this sea finds precious pearls: the gifts of the Spirit (108, 540).
All the gospel virtues are unusual for fallen nature; the ascetic must force himself in everything, he must ask God for everything through humble prayer combined with heartfelt weeping (108, 475). The virtues of fallen human nature had their price, like the decrees of the Old Testament, before the coming of Christ, they brought a person into a state capable of accepting the Savior (109, 331).
The perfection of Christian, and therefore human, virtue in a renewed nature is a gracious, God-imitating mercy produced in a Christian by the development of Divine grace given to him in Baptism and cultivated by the commandments (109, 407–408).
No virtue can take place without patience; virtue, to remain virtue, needs patience (111, 434).
Life here is like a field with various crops of bread and vegetables... people are like workers: one is able to care for the vines, another for vegetables, another to sow bread..., another only to pluck up thorns. Let everyone work in that area of virtues for which he is capable, to which he is called by God, who reveals His calling to a rational creature with the spiritual abilities that He bestowed on this creature (111, 458).
Reading the Fathers' Scriptures is the parent and king of all virtues (108, 113).
Passions are evil skills. Virtues are good skills (108, 380).
You must first discern your sin, then wash it with repentance and acquire purity of heart, without which it is impossible to perform a single virtue purely, completely, with the knowledge of your conscience (111, 490).
Practicing virtues that do not correspond to the way of life makes life fruitless (111, 502).
Then only God accepts our virtues when they are witnesses of faith, but in themselves they are unworthy of God (111, 526). Godly virtues flow from obedience to God, are accompanied by humility, and not by heat, not by impulses, not by conceit and vanity (112, 269–270).
The Gospel teaching is the only source of all true Christian godly virtues (112, 270).
Fasting is the initial weapon of all virtues (112, 270).
All good thoughts and virtues have similarities with each other; in the same way, all sinful thoughts, dreams, sins and passions have similarities with each other (112, 351).
One virtue, performed sincerely, attracts all the virtues into the soul. (112, 415).
Acquire constant sobriety, constant vigilance over yourself. Without strict vigilance it is impossible to excel in any virtue (112, 417).
Without the virtue of humility, all other virtues cannot be true and pleasing to God. (112, 433).
A heart cultivated by sorrows, filled with humiliation, is especially capable of the most sublime virtue. (112, 442).
Let your soul, mortified for the world, be your solitude, your holy abode - let your soul be, let it be the abode of all the gospel virtues. Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) (111, 465).
Good intentions and work belong to us, and virtue and its fruits come from the Lord.
Our soul is a desert, not productive of good deeds; from You, Lord, may it receive the power of fruitfulness. Reverend Ephraim Sirin (28, 326).
The beginning of all virtue is God as the source daylight Sun (54, 11).
Man tries to do good according to his own will, but God fulfills it in accordance with His truth. Rev. Mark the Ascetic (54, 14).
Deeds of virtue must be carried out with joy, and the liberation of the soul from passions must be asked from God. Thus, the soul will rise above itself and the strongest malice of its enemies, and will provide itself as a dwelling place for the worshiped and the Holy Spirit, and will receive from Him the immortal peace of Christ, and in Him unite with the Lord. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (23, 282).
From Your treasures, Lord, I have accepted what I can bring to You. And the fact that I want to sing praises to You, Lord, is Your gift. If even the little good that is in us multiplies so abundantly, then how many times more abundantly will Your gifts multiply in us? Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (28, 343).
For virtue, the main thing is God’s help, which is awarded to those who have found God’s mercy. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (18, 160).
No matter how much you work, no matter how hard you try, do not consider your good deed to be yours, because if you did not receive help from above, all your labors would be in vain. Saint John Chrysostom (46, 115).
The main thing in any good zeal and the height of good deeds is constant stay in prayer. asks God and can daily acquire other virtues, because only God has goodness. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (27, 341).
From each person the fruits of virtues will be required according to the extent of the benefits God has shown him - natural or bestowed by God's grace. 33, 228).
Those who bear good fruit are purified by God so that they bear more fruit (34, 122).
All our virtues in God are by no means our property. God saves us. He bestows upon us the power to keep ourselves from evil. He covers us with His Providence and gives us the opportunity to remain in non-covetousness. He grants us a turn to Him, and when we turn to Him, this is a consequence of His action on us. He inspires us to thank Him, and we thank Him according to His gift. He sends down grace in us, the action of which arouses gratitude to God in us. He protects us from our enemies, the demons, and snatches us from their hands and jaws. Rev. Abba Isaiah (82, 217).
Prayer, being the daughter of fulfilling the Gospel commandments, is also the mother of all virtues (112, 93).
Prayer gives birth to virtues from the union of the human spirit with the Spirit of the Lord. The virtues that give birth to prayer differ from the virtues that are born from prayer: the first are spiritual, the second are spiritual (112, 93).
A person can perform spiritual virtues with his own strength, and spiritual virtues in a person are a gift from a merciful God, who bestows this gift on the poor in spirit, hungry and thirsty for the truth of Christ. Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) (111, 526).
A virtuous life is happiness in itself
A virtuous life itself constitutes the greatest honor and happiness, even if we suffer punishment for it (36, 94).
Virtue requires short-term labor, but brings eternal joy (39,492).
For a person, sincerely loving God, - (good deeds) are more desirable than the Kingdom, because the true Kingdom consists in acquiring the favor and mercy of the Lord through a good life (38, 223).
Let us learn to care about virtue and highly value pleasing God. Let us not refer to managing the house, or caring for a wife, or taking care of children, or anything else, and think that with this we can sufficiently justify ourselves in a careless and careless life. Saint John Chrysostom (38, 197).
If the soul is occupied with virtue and is not entertained by anything external, it is sealed with the seal of truth. (19, 239).
Only the concern for virtue that has become established in us is something permanent. For whoever has succeeded in something lofty, for example: in chastity, modesty, piety or in something else from the sublime commandments of the Gospel, when he grows in them, he has not a fleeting and not unstable, but an unshakable, life-long satisfaction (18, 414).
He who desires virtue obtains what he desires. Therefore, blessed is he who hungers for chastity, for he will be filled with purity. And saturation with it does not produce disgust, but increased desire; and satiation and desire mutually increase in equal measure. For the desire for virtue is followed by the acquisition of what is desired, and the acquired good brings unceasing joy to the soul. Such is the property of this good that it brings real joy not only in the present, but for all times. He who succeeds in good is pleased by the memory of a life spent correctly, and by life itself in the present, and by the expectation of reward, which I see in nothing other than the same virtue, since it is the work of the successful and is given as a reward for success. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (18, 415).
Just as a seed sprouts when it rains, so the heart blossoms with good deeds. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (25, 193).
Virtue must be selfless if it wants to be a virtue that has only good in mind. 14, 36).
We know about virtue from the Apostle that it has one limit of perfection - to have no limit. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (17, 225).
But we, who have been awarded the “bath of rebirth” (), do good deeds not for the sake of reward, but to preserve the purity given to us. Rev. Mark the Ascetic (54, 29).
We are poor in good deeds not because we cannot, but because we do not want to, and a clear proof of this is the fact that many of people similar to us by nature shine with virtues (38, 459).
Every good deed done under duress loses its reward (44, 639).
He who talks a lot does nothing; he who does a lot does not say anything unnecessary (45, 164).
If the one who has the king as his debtor considers himself happy and protected for the rest of his life, then imagine how happy he must be who, through his good deeds, small and great, has made God his debtor (41, 188).
The virtuous makes everyone who looks at him praise the Lord; and their praise attracts great and ineffable mercy from the Lord to the one who prompted them to praise Him (38, 267).
The enemies blessed (by you) will be strong intercessors for you at the judgment (of God), and you will atone for many sins. Saint John Chrysostom (38, 870).
It is good to do good to friends, even better to all those in need; but best of all - even to enemies. The first is fulfilled by the pagans, the second by those who obey the Divine law, and the third by leading a lifestyle worthy of heaven. 52, 222).
Many fruits cause tree branches to bend, and many virtues make a person humble. Venerable Neil of Sinai (47, 219).
Let us not be lazy in doing good, but let us burn in spirit, so that we do not gradually fall asleep into death, or so that during our sleep the enemy does not sow bad seeds. Saint Gregory the Theologian (16, 138).
No matter how much we increase virtue today, this only serves as a denunciation of our previous negligence, and not as a reason for receiving reward. Venerable Mark the Ascetic (54, 32)
Just as one who walks with a lamp gives light to those who are with him, so does virtue, which always carries glory with it, shine. Saint John Chrysostom (36, 117).
What good is it to a person to be full yesterday if he is hungry today? Likewise, yesterday’s good deed does not benefit the soul if the fulfillment of righteousness is abandoned today. Saint Basil the Great (9, 91).
The living differ from the dead not only in that they look at the sun and breathe air, but in that they do something good. If they don’t do this, then... they are no better than the dead. Saint Gregory the Theologian (15, 710).
Whoever misses the opportunity to do good not only loses the fruit of goodness, but also offends God. God sends someone in need to him, and he says: “Come later.” Although he speaks to man, it is the same as to God who sent him. God will find another good person, and the one who refuses will answer for himself. 64, 131).
All virtues are interconnected, like links in a spiritual chain, and depend on one another. Venerable Macarius of Egypt (33, 268).
Blessed are the peacemakers, whom the Lord called sons of God. They are also peaceful “with those who hate peace” (). That is why God dwells in them: for in the world is “His dwelling place” (). Blessed Jerome (113, 399).
The pinnacle of virtues is love. Rev. Abba Isaiah (34, 95).
In my understanding, faith is like a ray, hope is like light, and love is like the circle of the sun. Yet they constitute one radiance and one luminosity. Faith can create and create everything; God's mercy protects hope and makes it unashamed; and love does not allow the wounded to die with “blessed rapture.” Venerable John Climacus (113, 80).
And which of the virtues is worthy of primacy among the fruits of the Spirit, if not love, without which other virtues are not considered virtues and from which all good things are born? And in the law and the Gospel she is given primacy: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind... and thy neighbor as thyself” (; ). Blessed Jerome (113, 398).
Virtue is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven
There is nothing equal to virtue! In the next century, she will save us from Gehenna, open the way to the Kingdom of Heaven, and in this life she puts us above everyone who vainly plots against us, makes us stronger not only people, but also the demons themselves (38, 65).
Virtue accompanies us during our exodus from here, when we especially need its help, and on that terrible day it gives us great help, bending the Judge to our mercy. Saint John Chrysostom (38, 215).
Those who have been promised the Kingdom of Heaven should not grieve on the path of salvation - let the pagans groan, let the Jews cry, let sinners grieve, but those who walk the right path should rejoice. (113, 399).
Everything passes away, my brothers, only our deeds will accompany us. Therefore, prepare yourself parting words for a journey that no one can escape. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (28, 114).
Correct exercise of virtues brings bliss in heaven, which cannot be expressed in words, comprehended by the mind, or grasped by thought. Venerable Neil of Sinai (48, 341).
If the soul is not, if possible, prepared by good works, it will not be allowed to eat the Lamb. Venerable Macarius of Egypt (33, 300).
Woe to the lazy! He will regret the time he spent poorly, but he will not find it when he searches. (25, 72).
Let no one be careless, because the coming of Christ will be sudden, like terrible lightning (25, 55).
Fear, sinful soul, and awaken. Why are you sleeping while there is still time to do? Think about yourself while there is still hope for you (28, 194).
The virtuous from youth to the grave wage a “struggle. But they rest from the day of death, until the time will come retribution. They die for a while, just as they fall asleep in the evening after a day of labor; and as after a dream, they will rise from their graves and be clothed with glory. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (28, 366).
Always hasten in good deeds, so that if you leave them unfinished for some reason, you yourself will not leave here unfinished, Venerable Neil of Sinai (48, 241).
God did not announce the days of our death, did not reveal today, tomorrow, or in a year, or in a few years, He will come so that, due to the unknown date, we will constantly preserve virtue (46, 39).
You have received Me, says the Lord, into your dwelling - I will receive you into the Kingdom of My Father. You saved me from hunger - I will save you from your sins. You looked at Me, bound, - I will free you from your bonds. You sheltered Me, a wanderer, - I will make you a citizen of Heaven. You gave Me bread - I will give you the Kingdom as an inheritance and possession. You did it for me secretly - I will repay it openly. I consider what you have done as mercy, and Mine as duty. You looked at Me, bound, and you yourself will not see the fire of Gehenna. You visited Me, sick, and you yourself will not experience ordeals and punishments. Oh, truly blessed are the hands that perform good deeds and are worthy to serve Christ. The feet that went to the sick and to prison for the sake of Christ will easily pass through the fire, and they will not experience the burden of sinful bonds. You were with him in prison and you will reign with Him. Saint John Chrysostom (43, 396).
Whoever, after Baptism and communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, does not bear good fruits will be cut down like a barren tree and thrown into the fire (60, 422). He who does good will be showered with mercies not according to the measure of his doing - he only fulfilled what was due - but according to the immensity of God's goodness (60, 208).
Those born for eternal joy, if they despise it and spend their lives in darkness and ignorance of God, after the resurrection they will endure double torment, realizing both that they were born for unspeakable joy, and that they despised it out of frivolity and lost it through their own fault. 60, 52).
It is said: there will be “two grinders in the millstones: one is taken, and the other is left” (). We can mean by a millstone the turning of this life, which, without stopping for a minute, flows past us and at the speed of a millstone changes everything. And under the two grinders there is a difference in dignity; life under one and the same deed or order - whether in asceticism, for example, or virginity, abstinence or chastity, in love for strangers or faith. Many devote themselves to this, but not all with the same intention: some excel in virtue for the sake of future reward, others are virtuous for show. And the latter will receive their reward in the praises here and will remain at the millstone. Venerable Isidore Pelusiot (116, 420).
“To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and put in three measures of flour until it was all leavened” () Let anyone who doubts what has been said pay attention to this. A person who has acquired even a small leaven of virtue, even if he did not have time to bake bread, although he had such an intention, but could not fulfill it due to carelessness, negligence or lack of courage, or because he put it off from day to day, will not remain in oblivion the righteous Judge, when he is accidentally overtaken and taken from the earth. On the contrary, after his death, God will motivate his neighbors, direct their thoughts, attract hearts, incline souls, and moved by this, they will hasten to give him help and assistance. And since the Lord touched their hearts, they will make up for the shortcomings of the departed. And whoever, covered with thorns, leads a bad life, full of impurity, who never comes to consciousness, fearlessly and indifferently plunges into voluptuousness, fulfills carnal desires and does not care about the soul at all, completely indulging in a carnal way of thinking, then, if caught in In such a state, he will move from this life, no one, of course, will give help. His fate will be decided, so that neither his wife, nor his children, nor his brothers, nor his relatives, nor his friends will help him in the least, for God will put him at nothing. (115, 755).
“When you do alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (), that is, do not let your carnal thoughts know what the Holy Spirit is doing. But can one who gives alms prevent his left hand from contributing to charity? Without a doubt, both hands must be used. And when the left hand holds money or a wallet, then the right sows a beautiful seed in the field of the hearts of the poor, so as to reap not an ear of corn held on a stalk of straw, but an eternal and immortal life established on the cross. The Only Begotten does not want carnal thoughts to not know what the right hand of the Holy Spirit is doing, and so that they do not interfere good intentions and a generous wish, saying: “I myself need to have food and money for expenses, clothes, and property for many years...”. For the right part of the Holy Spirit does not care at all about all this and does not desire it, believing the word of the Master: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all this will be added to you” ().
In this sense, let the left hand not know what the right hand is doing. For when the mind, with a firm desire to please God, strives with all its might not to deviate from what is due and strives lawfully, then it has no thought of anything other than what is useful for pleasing God... And since in faith there is no reason for unbelief, if light by its nature is not the cause of darkness; if the devil does not dare to appear next to Christ, then it is clear that the opposite of reason is incompatible with reason... and virtue remains virtue. And therefore she does not know any excess in right hand, nor a lack in the left, for both would be contrary to reason. Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (115, 633–634).
Do not do your alms in front of people so that they can see you
If we do something good, but we do it not only to fulfill the commandment of our Lord... then we work in vain, depriving ourselves of the fruit of this good deed. (38, 38).
He who does something good to gain fame from people... already enjoys a sufficient reward here, but there he will not receive any reward for this deed. Saint John Chrysostom (38, 38).
Rotten fruit is of no use to the farmer, and the virtue of the proud is not needed by God. (47, 219).
The more you ascend to the heights of virtue, the more protection you need. The one who stood on the ground and fell immediately gets up, but the one who fell from a height can break. Venerable Neil of Sinai (47, 222).
If you want your good deeds to be great, then do not consider them great. Saint John Chrysostom (41, 33).
If you learn any virtues, don’t brag, don’t say, then I did and fulfilled them. Such boasting is a sign of the greatest foolishness. Venerable Anthony the Great (82, 27).
Those who do good deeds, when they are obvious, are benefited, and the Savior said: “So let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father” (), however, since others mean by this not the word of the Lord, but his glory. The Savior gave the following advice: “See that you do not do your alms in front of people so that they see you: otherwise there will be no reward for you” (). First, we are talking about the fact that good morals and love for good cannot be hidden, even if those who do good want it, and other words curb the love of glory. In the former, the Lord forbids vice, in the latter, the desire to do good for show. The latter does not contradict the first, but prohibits vices, as if inextricably following virtues. Only virtue that is not performed for show, in the proper sense, can be called that and really is virtue. If it gets carried away into the love of glory, then it ceases to be true virtue. There is no need to say that those who give alms for show do not do it out of goodwill... And the words “let your light shine” were said not so that we would be proud, but in the sense that it is impossible for a good deed not to become apparent, even if would have hidden it. Just as a lamp turns its attention to itself on a moonless night, so virtue illuminates everyone against the will of those who possess it. Venerable Isidore Pelusiot (115, 633).
While protecting our virtues from damage by human praise, we must protect them from the evil that lives in us... not to be carried away by vain thoughts and dreams... and vain pleasure. Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) (108, 512–513).
Seductions that distract from virtue
The base pleasures of this life are like shadows and dreams: before the sinful deed is over, the pleasure disappears, and the punishment for it has no end (35, 43).
The more you indulge in pleasure, the more you fall from grace: then Christ will not bring you any benefit. Saint John Chrysostom (42, 711).
The enemy always hinders the beautiful, deceives or distracts the mind, so that, remembering the beautiful, (a person) does not love the heavenly, but deceives his will with some earthly thoughts and desires. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (27, 338).
Anyone who submits to pleasure cannot live in truth due to the worries, fears, dangers and countless swarms of passions that arise from this. Whether the thought of death comes to him, he has already died of fear before death, whether illness, insult, poverty or another unpleasant surprise appears in his mind, he has already died and been destroyed. Saint John Chrysostom (43, 652).
(One must be vigilant) against pleasure, as against a thief secretly creeping into the recesses of the soul. Never let it take over your thoughts... Fight the desire for pleasure and meet it by saying to this slavish and unreasonable way of forgetting: “Why are you weakening your courage and softening the strength of your thoughts? Why are you weakening your soul? Why do you harm your thoughts? Why do you darken the bright clarity of pure thoughts?” (18, 237).
Although the struggle against pleasure seems difficult, no one needs to lose courage. Habit has considerable power to bring some pleasure even in the most difficult tasks. Moreover, this pleasure is the most beautiful and pure, the enjoyment of which is more fitting for a rational being than to cowardly be carried away by base things and move away from what is truly great and surpasses every mind. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (23, 330).
And Zacchaeus, like Abraham, left his land and his father’s house. For the best procession is an elevation above all carnal pleasures that can be called “earth”, a removal from sensual pleasures, a change from a corrupt, lawless life into a virtuous life, which is, as it were, a procession from the father’s home. Saint Basil the Great (116, 318).
Test of Virtue
Before starting a good deed, prepare for the temptations that will befall you, and do not doubt the truth. Venerable Isaac the Syrian (55, 290).
Whoever does a work pleasing to God will certainly be tempted. For every good deed is either preceded or followed by temptation; and what is done for the sake of God cannot be firm unless it is tested by temptation. Venerable Abba Dorotheos (58, 189).
With the increase in virtue, the enemy’s anger also increases, looking for reasons for everyone to be seduced into sin... When the combatants see that the enemies with superior forces are invincible in open battle, then they try to defeat them by negotiating and setting up ambushes. Likewise, against those strengthened by law and virtue, the enemy does not bring out his forces face to face, but plots intrigues against them in ambushes. Saint Gregory of Nyssa (17, 366).
The enemy uses thousands of means, wanting to weaken the will, to distract from hopes and love for the Lord, attacking the soul in different ways. Either through the spirits of malice he causes her internal sorrows, or he instills in her evil, vain, inappropriate and nasty thoughts. Or he brings to mind previous sins, even condemning the soul, so that her will becomes relaxed from the thought that it is impossible to receive salvation. This plunges the soul into hopelessness, believing that it is from itself that these absurd, vain and evil thoughts are born in the heart, and are not implanted into it by an alien spirit that brings sin inside it. Meanwhile, this thought is inspired by the anger of the enemy, which, in order to bring the soul to despair, does not want to make it known that in the soul there is a spirit of worldly delusion alien to God. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (27, 35).
The more good deeds someone does, the larger number people insult him; because many evil spirits and unrighteous people rise up against him. Venerable Neil of Sinai (49, 240).
It is better, while practicing virtue, to endure the condemnation of those who would not like anyone to ascend to perfection, than, having loved vice, to earn the applause of those who have not acquired a correct judgment of affairs. Venerable Isidore Pelusiot (52, 328).
Some Christians endure intense warfare and torment from sin, and even become stronger and wiser in the warfare. Others, having no experience, are immediately plunged into trouble and death, even if they fall into only one sorrow. Venerable Macarius of Egypt (33, 118).
Whatever happens to us, we should not be upset, even if it touches us in the present and sensitively. We do not know the laws according to which everything that happens to us is sent to us from the Lord for our good. But we must be sure that what happened to us is, without a doubt, useful either to ourselves or to ourselves; as it promises a reward for patience, or a soul stolen from us, so that it, remaining longer in this life, will not become infected with the vice that has settled in the world. Saint Basil the Great (9, 202).
When you yourself, having done something good, get into trouble or see that someone else has suffered it, rejoice, because; that this contributes to greater reward. Don't lose heart, right? give up diligence, do not become lazy, but on the contrary, apply even greater zeal (36, 24).
Virtue in itself is worthy of wonder, but if someone does it surrounded by obstacles, then it is much more surprising. (38, 215).
Impiety always shows great malice against virtue, but does not harm it, but makes it even stronger (38, 216).
The wicked usually mock those who decide to abstain from wickedness (38, 216).
(But) let neither dishonor sadden us, nor poverty constrain us, nor illness weaken our spiritual vigor, nor human contempt and humiliation make us less zealous for deeds of virtue (38, 295).
When, while doing good, you suffer some evil, at least for for a long time, do not be tempted - God will certainly reward you. The longer the reward is delayed, the greater it will be (46, 380).
Great reward is prepared for those who do good, but it is even greater and stronger if those who do this good are exposed to danger and dishonor. Saint John Chrysostom (35, 49).
Do not think that you have acquired virtue if you have not first fought for it until you bled. Venerable Neil of Sinai (47, 197).
Do not hope to acquire virtue without sorrow, for he who is at rest does not gain experience. Rev. Mark the Ascetic (54, 13).
Without temptation it is impossible to draw closer to God. Unsophisticated virtue...is not virtue. Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) (111, 460).
Do not lose heart when tested in your integrity - the Eternal Truth honors you. You have earned yourself illustrious names and titles in the book of life! The Spirit of God calls you a royal priesthood, a chosen race, loved ones and loved ones. Next to these names, all the glory of the world fades away. But these titles are not given to anyone except those adorned with the nobility of virtue. 105, 69–72).
One of the fathers told us that in Theopolis there was Saint Theodotus, who was distinguished by kindness, meekness and humility. Once he was on the road with a cleric. He was carried on a stretcher, and the cleric rode on horseback. And the saint says to the cleric: “We will change places.” The cleric did not agree: “It would be a dishonor for the patriarch if I sit on a stretcher, and the saint rides on horseback.” But the wonderful Theodotus insisted on his own and convinced the cleric to do as he wished. Spiritual meadow (75, 43).
GOOD DEEDS
"Faith without works is dead"
“A good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” ().
“Not everyone who says to Me: “Lord! Lord!”, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Heavenly Father” ().
We believe that a person is justified not by faith alone, but by faith promoted by love, that is, through faith and works. We recognize as completely impious the idea that faith, replacing works, acquires justification in Christ: for faith in such a sense could belong to everyone and there would not be a single one who is not saved, which is obviously false. On the contrary, we believe that it is not a ghost of faith, but living faith through works that justifies us in Christ. We consider works not only as evidence confirming our calling, but also as fruits from which our faith becomes active. Deeds can, according to the Divine promise, bring to everyone a well-deserved reward, good or bad, depending on what he has done. Message of the Eastern Patriarchs on Orthodox faith (113, 7).
When the grace imparted to a person, through his own diligence, is turned to the performance of holy and good deeds, then these deeds, by the mercy of God, no longer belong to her, but are acquired by the one by whom they are performed, as if he did them with his own strength. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (113, 7).
Faith is not sufficient for salvation, but deeds are also necessary... The true basis of good deeds is knowledge of God and faith in Him: for what the eye is to the body, so is faith in God and knowledge of Him for the soul. But faith also needs active virtue, like the eye in the hands and other parts of the body. Blessed Theodoret (113, 8).
Worship of God lies in the knowledge of the dogmas of piety and in good deeds. Dogmas without good deeds are not favorable to God; He does not accept deeds if they are not based on the dogmas of piety. For what is the use of knowing well the doctrine of God and living shamefully? On the other hand, what is the benefit of being abstinent and blaspheming wickedly? Therefore, knowledge of dogmas and wakefulness of the soul is the greatest acquisition. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (113, 8).
Whoever saves any gift of God only for himself, and does not provide benefits to others, is condemned as having hidden talent. Saint Basil the Great (8, 206).
A truly God-loving and Christ-loving soul, even though it has accomplished thousands of righteous deeds, out of its insatiable desire for the Lord, thinks of itself as if it had not done anything yet... (33, 80).
God requires action from man, because the purified soul is worthy to be with the Divine. Venerable Macarius of Egypt (33, 201).
Do the good that you remember, then the good that you do not remember will be revealed to you. Rev. Mark the Ascetic (54, 13).
God knows the nature, desires, and strengths of everyone. And He sows His word and demands works according to our strength (25, 264).
Do good to your own people and to others as much as you can, and speak a kind word to both the good and the evil. Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (28, 356).
Believe that God Himself is present in every action you take. Venerable Neil of Sinai (48, 233).
Of the good deeds, those that serve the benefit of others are valued most highly. (37, 282).
The more we do good, the less we will talk about ourselves. In this way we can purchase greatest glory from God and from people... and a reward and a great reward (41, 33).
Do everything out of obedience to the Lord and, as it were, everything for His sake. This is enough to prevent any temptation or confusion (45, 176).
The reward is greater if you do without expecting a reward. (46, 665).
The Apostle usually calls good deeds a gift of grace, because they also require great help from above. Saint John Chrysostom (43, 500).
Doing good is natural to us, and those who indulge in inaction and laziness, no matter how spiritual and holy they may have been, plunge themselves into unnatural passion. Venerable Simeon the New Theologian (61, 19).
For those who are thorough and force themselves to do every good deed without regret, the Lord multiplies His grace-filled gifts here and prepares a blessed life in His Heavenly Kingdom.Venerable Nicodemus the Holy Mountain (64, 78).
The stronger you are, the fairer it would be for you to support the weak (35, 254).
If you yourself remain pure and immaculate, but do not increase your talent and do not turn your dying brother to salvation, then you will suffer the same fate (with the gospel slave) (35, 690).
If we are members of each other, then the salvation of our neighbor concerns not only him, but the whole body, and the misfortune of our neighbor is not limited to him alone, but causes pain to the whole body (45, 804).
No one can correct his affairs without loving his neighbor and without caring about his salvation (35, 740).
I beg you, let us make great efforts to remain firm in the true faith and lead a virtuous life; for if we do not unite a worthy life with faith, we will be subjected to more severe punishment... And Christ Himself in the Gospel confirmed the same when he said that some people who cast out demons and prophesied would be condemned to execution. And all His parables: the parable of the virgins, the net, the thorns, the tree that bears no fruit, demand that we be virtuous in practice. The Lord rarely talks about dogmas (for it is not difficult to believe them), but about a virtuous life very often, or better yet, always: for in this field there is constant battle, and therefore work. And what am I saying about the complete disregard for virtue? Even neglect of the slightest part exposes it to disasters... Faith without works is only a ghost of life. Saint John Chrysostom (113.8).
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? can this faith save him? (). The path to faith is repentance. What do they say in repentance? I have sinned, I won’t. I will not sin, therefore, I will live according to the commandments. Since repentance does not go away with the acceptance of faith, but, combined with it, remains to the end, then this decision - to live according to the commandments - remains in force even with faith. Therefore, a believer, if he has come to faith in a direct way, that is, through repentance, is zealous in fulfilling the commandments and does good deeds. Faith gives him the strongest motivation to do this. Faith gives him grace-filled strength for this through the Holy Sacraments. Thus faith promotes works (). But by works faith becomes perfect: for by works that which one believes is not realized, until then faith is as if it were not faith. It manifests itself only in deeds. And it becomes not only visible, but also strong. Works have the opposite effect on faith and strengthen it (107, 9–10).
“If a grain of wheat falls into the ground and does not die, will it remain? one; and if he dies, he will bear much fruit” (). So, if you want to be fruitful, die; die in a real way so that you can carry in your heart the feeling that you have died. Just as a dead person does not respond to anything around him, so do you: if they praise - be silent, if they scold - be silent, and you will receive a profit - be silent, if you are full - be silent, and if you are hungry - be silent. Be like this towards everything external, but internally keep yourself where everyone who has died is, in another life, in the face of the All-Righteous God, preparing to hear the final verdict. What, you say, will be the fruit of this when everything here freezes? No, it won’t freeze, but energy will appear, and what a energy it is! One minute left, you tell yourself, now is the verdict; Let me hurry up and do something - and you will do it. So it is every minute (116, 367). The widow put two mites (about half a mite) into the treasure vault (in the church mug), and the Lord says that she put in more than anyone else, when others put in rubles and tens of rubles. What gave the advantage to her two mites? The location with which the offering is made. Do you see the difference between doing good, soulless, according to custom, and doing good with soul and heart? It is not the result that gives him the price, but internal layout. As a result, it happens that a deed that is outstanding in all respects has no value before God, but a deed that is insignificant in appearance is valued highly. What follows from this is obvious. But don’t you dare neglect the external, planning to limit yourself to the internal. And that widow would not have received approval if she had said to herself: “And I have a desire to put it in, but what should I do? I only have two mites; If I give them away, I’ll be left with nothing.” But she wanted to give and did so, putting her life into the hands of God. And if she hadn’t put in anything, no one would have condemned her, neither people nor God. But then she would not have shown such a disposition that distinguished her from others and made her famous throughout the Christian world (116, 401–402).
Before the miraculous feeding of five thousand people, the disciples of the Lord wanted the people to be released; but the Lord told them: “They don’t need to go, you give them something to eat” (). Let us remember this word, and every time the enemy inspires us to refuse someone who asks, we will say on behalf of the Lord: “They don’t need to go, you give them something to eat” - and we will give whatever is at hand. The enemy often discourages the desire to do good, suggesting that the one asking may not deserve to be given. But the Lord did not consider the dignity of those reclining: He fed everyone equally, but, of course, not everyone was equally devoted to Him; There were, perhaps, those who then shouted: “Crucify Him!” (). This is God’s general Providence for us: “He commands His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (). If only the Lord would help us to be even the slightest bit merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful () (107, 223–224).
“You can do good on Saturdays” (). The Lord said this after healing a withered man in the synagogue on Saturday, in reproach to the Pharisees, who took the commandment about Sabbath rest to the point that they even measured how many steps could be taken on this day. But since good deeds cannot be done without movement, they they would rather agree to give up good deeds than to allow unnecessary movement. The Savior more than once rebuked them for this, because the Sabbath demanded rest from everyday worries, and not from deeds of piety and brotherly love. In Christianity, instead of Saturday, Sunday is celebrated, with the same purpose - rest from all everyday affairs and devoting this day exclusively to the works of God. Christian common sense has never reached the point of pharisaical pettiness regarding not working on Sunday, but the permissible permission to work on this day has been taken far beyond the proper limits. Non-doing kept the Pharisees away from doing good, and the activity they allowed themselves to do kept Christians away from it. Saint Theophan the Recluse (115, 511).
It is written: “To everyone who has, more will be given and he will have an increase, but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (). “What shall we say? Is it really not true with God? No way". (). Listen to the parable about this. In some direction there was a master of a house who had two slaves and three pairs of oxen. He gave one slave two pairs of oxen, and another one, and said to them: “Go and work until I come to you.” The one who received two pairs went and worked on the oxen and became very rich himself, and fattened the oxen surprisingly. And the one who received one pair went, tied the oxen to a manger and did not use them for anything at all, and he himself lay asleep. Then the master of those slaves comes to look at the work. And seeing the work and profit of the one who received two pairs, he blessed him. After that, he comes to another slave and finds him sleeping, and the oxen tied to a manger and exhausted from hunger and thirst. ...Then he said to himself: “If I leave the oxen with a lazy slave, he will destroy them; therefore I will take away his oxen and give them to a good worker.” This is: “to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”
So the Lord says: “By grace I called him and gave him the opportunity to do good and obtain eternal life. He neglected Me; for this he himself will be deprived of honor.” “But man will not remain in honor; he will become like animals that perish” (). “He didn’t want the blessing, it will move away from him” (). For what exactly? Because “he does not want to come to his senses in order to do good; on his bed he plots lawlessness, takes an unkind path, and does not disdain evil” (). “Is it really not true with God? No way". Venerable Ephraim the Syrian (116, 432).
This law of God, which commands: “let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” is not placed in mystery and concealment; on the contrary, it is not obscure, but is very clear and obvious to those who are attentive. Because after a good deed comes vanity and a desire to show off. Lord
says: Let no good deed be done passionately, and let success not be accompanied by arrogant thoughts. If you do good, do not show yourself off, do not boast, do not pursue praise here, but look forward to future crowns. Saint Is Idor Pelusiot (115, 634).
“Jesus said to him: “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham, for the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost” (). Pay attention: before Zacchaeus did the works of Abraham, (Christ) called him Zacchaeus. When he had completed the deeds of the patriarch, putting aside unrighteousness and showing love for the poor, then he said: “and he is the son of Abraham.” Saint John Chrysostom (116, 318).
By good deeds, coming from a pure heart and unfeigned faith, a person becomes like God, like an image of a prototype - holy, loving, true, generous, merciful, kind, meek, long-suffering... And a Christian, when he becomes like Him with virtues, testifies to what is in him the image of God, in which spiritual beauty and kindness consist (104, 589).
When the body or its members suffer, the head also sympathizes: so, when Christians suffer, Christ also sympathizes with them... or a good deed is done to a Christian, Christ imputes this to Himself. This is what Christ says: “Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me” (). And further: “Because you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” () (104, 590–591).
Good deeds will come from the heart when there is a good heart, and without a good heart there cannot be good deeds, just as rotten water cannot help but flow from a rotten spring. Correct your heart and will, and you will be good, you will be a true Christian, you will be a new creation. Everyone is good or evil from his will and heart. When the heart and will are good, then the person is good; when the heart and will are evil, then the person is evil (104, 591).
Truly good deeds come from God. Or, more simply, Christians are awakened by God to do good deeds, they receive strength and strength from God, and they work with the assistance of His grace. So testifies God's word: “God works in you to will and to act according to His good pleasure” () and “without Me you can do nothing” (). Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk (104, 593).
A baptized person does not have the right to act according to the attraction of heartfelt feelings, depending on the influence of flesh and blood on the heart... only those good deeds are accepted from him, to the commission of which the Spirit of God and the Word of God excite the heart, which belong to the nature renewed by Christ (108, 501).
Supposedly good deeds, due to the attraction of fallen nature, grow the “I” in a person, destroy his faith in Christ... Deeds of faith kill the self in a person, grow faith in him, exalt Christ in him (108, 503).
He who secretly performs his good deeds, solely for the purpose of pleasing God, will be glorified for the edification of his neighbors according to the Providence of God (108, 509).
Our salvation is our God, not our works. By works of faith... we prove the truth of our faith and our faithfulness to God (108, 531).
Works of salvation are works of faith, works of the New Testament. These deeds fulfill not human understanding, not human will - the will of the All-Holy God, revealed to us in the commandments of the Gospel (109, 335).
Our eternal destiny is in our hands, because God rewards everyone according to his deeds (111, 457).
All human deeds, weak, descending to hell, are replaced by one mighty good deed: faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) (111, 471).
“Once upon a time,” says St. Varlaam in one of his parables, “one man had three friends. He especially loved the first two and was ready to sacrifice everything for them until his death, but he treated the third with neglect and had little favor for him. But it happened that soldiers from the king came to this man and ordered him to quickly come to the king to give an account of the debt of ten thousand talents of silver. Having nothing with which to pay such a large debt, he went to seek help from his friends. He comes to the first one, talks about his trouble and asks for help. But the friend whom he loved so much says: “I am not your friend and I don’t know who you are; I have many friends now without you. Here, perhaps, are two rags for you, dress in them, and don’t expect anything more from me.” Seeing that you wouldn’t get anything here, the man went to his other friend, whom he also loved very much, and said: “Remember how I always valued your friendship, now I am in sorrow and in great trouble, help me.” And this one answered: “Today I am busy, and I myself am in grief; Perhaps I’ll accompany you a little to the king, but don’t expect anything more from me.” And the man returned empty-handed from his closest friends. He went to a third friend, whom he had almost neglected until then. He came in to him with a sad and ashamed face and said to him: “I don’t even dare open my lips to talk to you, because I have never done you any good and have never shown you any respect. But great grief also came to me and I had no one to turn to for help except you. I visited two friends, they refused me; if you can, help in any way and forget my disdain for you.” This friend answered him: “Well, I consider you a close person and, remembering the small good you did to me, now I will return it to you with interest. Do not be afraid, I will ask the king for you, and he will not deliver you into the hands of your enemies; take heart and do not grieve.” Then the man exclaimed with tears: “Woe is me! What will I first mourn: the fact that I in vain showed respect and love to ungrateful friends, or the negligence that, out of foolishness, I showed to a true and unhypocritical friend?
What does this parable mean? The first friend is destructive greed for profit and perishable wealth, which leaves a person at death and gives him only two rags for burial - a shirt and a shroud. The second friend is family and friends whom we often love to the point of forgetting God. But even in death they are of little use, for they only carry the person to the grave, and then, among their worries and cares, they also forget him. The third friend is our good deeds, which will undoubtedly become, so to speak, intercessors for us before God, after the separation of the soul from the body, begging God for us, and will help us freely go through the air ordeals. They, therefore, are our true friends, who remember our small acts of kindness and repay them with interest. Prologue in teachings (81, 623–625).
...And words without deeds are fruitless
Truly wise is not the one who teaches in word, but who instructs in deed. Abba Iperky (82, 283).
Words alone are not enough to please God and edify people; actions are needed. But people of today have much more words. God demands deeds, not fruitless words. Sayings of Nameless Elders (82, 389).
It is not permissible to impose a duty on others that you cannot fulfill yourself. Saint Basil the Great (6, 389).
He who is wise in words without deeds does not bring great benefit to the listener. On the contrary, the one who can offer advice that he himself has previously implemented helps the listener the most. (35, 325).
Usually, instructions do not penetrate the soul so much in words as in deeds; and if you have nothing to do, then when you talk, you not only do not bring any benefit, but cause more harm; It would be better to remain silent. Because you are offering me an impossible task. If you, who talk a lot, I reason, do not do this, then all the more am I worthy of an apology if I do not say anything (277).
What is needed is good behavior, not wit, morality, not eloquence, deeds, not words, this is what the Kingdom delivers, bestows real benefits. Do not refine your tongue, but cleanse your soul. I say this not to ban education, but so that people do not become exclusively attached to it. Saint John Chrysostom (45, 186).
It is pleasant for you to teach in church, but it would be better if you also taught with good deeds. And now you become like a man who throws stones up and... they fall on him. If the sins that we denounce are in us, then we renounce words with deeds, and not only do not prevent our listeners from doing wrong, but we also subject ourselves to ridicule (50, 76).
It is easy to be wise in words, but difficult in reality. Therefore, one does not touch the listeners, but the other touches; one excites laughter, and the other awakens from carelessness; one evokes reproach, and the other praise; one outrages and the other shames listeners. Therefore, we need to not only talk about it.
The sinner, hearing that the Savior was in Simon's house, came there with an alabaster vessel of myrrh and, standing at the feet of the Lord from behind, began to cry, and washed His feet with her tears, then wiped them with her hair, kissed them and anointed them with myrrh (). She does not say anything, but only acts, and through her actions she shows the most tender love for the Lord. That is why it was said about her: “Her many sins are forgiven because she loved much” (). Oh, when would we talk less and act more, and through our actions testify to love for the Lord! You will say: “If He Himself were here, I would immediately do everything for Him.” Yes, he is here, invisible in his own face and visible in all Christians, and most of all in those in need. Anoint the invisible Lord with love with the world of heartfelt prayer, and for the visible - do everything possible for those in need, and you will do for God. Saint Theophan the Recluse (107, 86–87).
“So let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father” (). Deeds are more reliable than words. Enlightenment is harmful when it is not guided by prudence and honesty; mediocre knowledge, confirmed by experience, is more useful than one pompous thought.
Experience is more valid than verbose science, which in words represents a lot, but in reality nothing. What is the use of being able to unravel intricately woven words and not being able to untie the knots of a doubting conscience? “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (). Then science will be vain and useless. What can I say, they are useless! There can be no more harmful person than a person who has science, but does not have a righteous conscience. And therefore there is no doubt that the best science is a deed, and not just a word.
This science is evangelical; for it is characteristic of Christian wisdom to philosophize not in words, but in deeds. The Gospel teaches that the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. It wants its follower to be like a luminary in the world. “So let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father” ().
But whoever does not care about this becomes darkened inner vision and blinds the eye of his soul. But the one who lives as if he were made up of one body, one flesh and blood, is not happy; as if he was then created to serve one body, to please the senses, to think about one thing external. Such a person does not distinguish himself in any way from dumb animals, and not only does not enlighten his spiritual vision, but almost extinguishes in himself the natural light kindled by God at his birth. No, this light of reason with which you are born is only a seed, which, if it falls on rich soil and is fertilized by labor, sprouts and bears fruit. But if thrown on rocky ground and no care is taken, it remains barren and rots.
At the same time, the fact that we are free does not serve us as an excuse. Oh that we were not free to change! We are free, but we have received the precious gift of freedom not in order to turn it into evil, but into good. And a good action is all the more glorious for us because it is not a necessary consequence of nature, but the fruit of our free efforts. God is free, but He is all good, and we are called to direct our actions in His image. Plato, Metropolitan of Moscow (105, 187–190).
For questions related to Christian service to one’s neighbor, answered the confessor of the Orthodox Volunteer Center at the Church of All Saints, Priest Sergius Skuzovatkin during a conversation with volunteers.
- Anyone who joins a volunteer movement sooner or later wonders what a “good deed” is?
- There is a proverb that no good deed will go unpunished. Those. must be accompanied by some kind of test, sacrifice. A fly in the ointment is necessary, otherwise it is not a good deed. This is what distinguishes the Christian understanding of a “good deed” from the common conventional understanding. St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov) said that “it is not enough to be good by nature, you need to be good according to the Gospel.”
Without love there is no good. It's easy to help those who are grateful. Most often, we see reciprocal kindness and emotional return from children. Especially from those who were not given enough happiness. When a volunteer comes to them, they see him as mom, dad and all the good people in the world. But with adults it’s more difficult. Some of them believe that they are owed everything. It happens that you do a good deed, and in return you receive a slap in the face that is difficult to cope with. Therefore, you always need to be prepared for this. Those who have ever cared for bedridden patients know that they can easily scold you if you unwittingly cause them pain or inconvenience. In addition, one must distinguish between an externally good deed and an internal one. St. Ignatius Brianchaninov said that even goodness can be harmful if it is virtue without reasoning, at the wrong time and in the wrong place.
- How to react correctly to life circumstances?
- We need to use all the circumstances sent down to us from above in order to create something within ourselves with God’s help. And thank God for them. For example, many volunteers have the circumstance of being young. In youth, everything comes easier; the body itself helps the person. Eat free time to do good deeds. There are people who support us morally, we need to pray for them. Orthodox volunteers must understand that we do not do something good on our own. If a person attributes all honor to God, then he increases it. But as soon as we think that this is our personal merit, we will immediately find ourselves in a situation that will show our true face. This is a spiritual law. If life circumstances change and a person no longer has the opportunity to be a volunteer, spiritual joy will still remain with him, unlike the natural joy that is associated with receiving pleasure. A Christian, doing good, considers himself unworthy, but doing it all for the sake of God, and “the highest good is Christ.”
- What does “for God's sake” mean?
- If I do something for the sake of God, then I do not expect a gift or gratitude in return, but I am morally ready to suffer for this good deed. So the Lord sacrificed Himself on the Cross, without expecting our gratitude.
The peculiarity of Orthodox volunteering is that it is not an end in itself. Whatever we do, there must always be a moment of Christian education of people. You do good to them, thereby showing them that this is normal and correct. But to do this, you need to live like this yourself and, of course, be patient. At first, the Lord gives us a reserve of patience as a kind of advance payment. Let me give you an example of a trip to an orphanage.
It is known that orphans are the most spoiled people. Nobody strictly asks them; everything is brought to them just like that. And they get used to it. It is very difficult for children from orphanages to become independent people, which is why they are formed to be so unhappy in spirit. What should we see as our task? Is it to support them financially, entertain them, or teach them useful skills that will help them survive in the world? An Orthodox volunteer must use any joint activities to develop spirituality, show children how to treat their soul correctly. Show that, in fact, spiritual life is very joyful. It allows us to gain spiritual profit and joy from very small things that the ordinary world does not notice. And you already knew this. You get more joy from happy children's eyes than another person gets from buying a car. Because by helping “one of these little ones,” you are helping Christ. Some, for example, help prisoners. But many of them, when released from prison, will return to their old ways. It is difficult to provide such help without faith that the Lord will arrange everything as it should.
- If a person begins to do good deeds, then often at the first stage he succeeds easily, but then difficulties and temptations begin. How to overcome them?
First, the Lord helps, because He wants a person to take root in good deeds. And then the person needs to move forward. Overcoming the difficulties that arise serves as proof of the seriousness of intentions.
Anyone who does a good deed will definitely see some shortcomings in himself. And the one who does nothing sees himself in a good light, because he has no reason to be irritated. Someone who cares for a disabled person or has taken in a child is sometimes so “twisted” that he runs to confession and repents with tears. He understands what he should be like - to endure the infirmities of his neighbor and cover them with his love - and does not find this in himself. And if we do not notice our shortcomings, it means that we have not yet begun to truly help our neighbor, we have not begun to work in this direction.
When people do good deeds, conflicts and discord often break out between them, which arise not because of poor organization or because someone did not fulfill what they promised, but for internal spiritual reasons. One of them is our pride, which feeds, among other things, on good deeds. You need to be able to recognize it in time. And in this the Orthodox have an advantage over the non-believing well-wishers.
- How should we understand the words spoken about alms: “Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing”?
This means - I gave it and immediately forgot. But we can’t do that. It happens that we give alms, and then we see that the person we “blessed” drinks beer, and what begins! A “righteous” anger boils up, which shows how far from perfect our sacrifice is. But the very word “sacrifice” implies effort on oneself.
“Give to everyone who asks you and do not ask back, for the Father wants everything given to be from His gifts. Blessed is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is innocent. Woe to the one who accepts, for if someone, having a need, accepts, he will be innocent; will not leave there until he gives the last coin. But it is also said about this: let your alms sweat in your hands until you know who to give to.”
The teaching of the Lord, (transmitted) to the nations through the 12 apostles (Didache).
- They say that goodness must come with fists. For example, one person always parked on a lawn with flowers. Didn't respond to comments. It ended with him having a dumbbell thrown onto the roof of his car...
Is this how this person was persuaded to do good? He was forced by force not to do evil in public. And inside him, perhaps, hatred for the whole world is boiling. And at the Last Judgment, for such a deplorable state of a person’s soul, the one who brought him to this will be held accountable. St. Pimen the Great said: “Anger does not destroy anger. But if someone does you evil, do good to him, so that with a good deed you can destroy evil.” This is exactly how Christian kindness works. If someone does something bad, he needs to point it out, but control his anger and not return evil for evil. By being patient, you allow yourself to open up to the good will of the person you are communicating with. You show him an example that he can be good too. This is the most important component of your help.
- How to explain the need to do good?
This cannot be explained to someone who thinks only in terms of immediate benefits. For example, we tell a child that it is not good to be greedy. “Why is it not good? - the smart kid will ask. - I have a typewriter. I'll give it to the boy who gives me the tap. Why should I give it to someone who has nothing?”
One philosopher said that good is only good when it is done without any ulterior motive, completely freely. And if it is important to me how it will be rewarded, this is already similar to the work of a bank, issuing a loan at interest. Father Seraphim, in his conversation with Nikolai Motovilov about the meaning of Christian life, managed to explain well why one needs to do good deeds. Although goodness does not fit into ordinary logic, it is justified for eternal life.
- If we do good deeds out of a desire to go to heaven, is this a selfish motive?
Heaven is not a place in the geographical sense. “The kingdom of heaven is within you” (Luke 17:21). You just need to form it within yourself. If you love goodness in itself, a person will be in a heavenly state already in this life, and will go to eternity like that. If this is not the case, then put a person in heaven, and he will say: “Something is boring here”...
- Why is it so difficult to keep your good deeds secret?
Gen 4:7 ...if you do Kind, then don’t you raise your face?..
Gen 26:29 ...and they did one thing for you Kind and they sent you away in peace;...
Lev 5:4 ...do something bad or Kind,..
Numbers 10:29 ...for the Lord Kind spoke about Israel...
Numbers 24:13 ...to do anything Kind or bad at will:..
Deuteronomy 6:18 ...and do what is just and Kind in the sight of the Lord [your God]...
Deuteronomy 12:28 ...if you do Kind and whatever...
Joshua 23:15 ...But how all things came to pass upon you Kind word,..
Ruth 3:10 ...this is your last Kind You did the job even better than before...
1 Samuel 19:4 ...And Jonathan spoke Kind about David to Saul his father...
2 Samuel 14:17 ...and can listen and Kind and bad...
2 Samuel 15:3 ...then Absalom said to him, Behold, your work Kind and fair...
1 Kings 14:13 ...something was found Kind before the Lord God of Israel...
1 Kings 22:13 ...behold, the words of the prophets are unanimous portend to the king Kind;..
1 Kings 22:13 ...speak also you Kind...
2 Chronicles 12:12 ...moreover, there was something in Judea Kind...
2 Chronicles 14:2 ...And Asa did Kind and that which is pleasing in the sight of the Lord his God:...
2 Chronicles 18:12 ...said to him, Behold, the prophets have spoken with one accord Kind to the king;..
2 Chronicles 18:12 ...speak also you Kind...
2 Chronicles 19:3 ...Nevertheless Kind found in you...
2 Chronicles 24:16 ...because he did Kind in Israel...
2 Chronicles 30:22 ...who had Kind understanding V service Lord...
2 Chronicles 31:20 ...and he did Kind, both fair and true...
Esther 7:9 ...which Haman prepared for Mordecai, who spoke Kind for the king...
Job 2:10 ...is it really Kind we will receive from God...
Job 7:7 ...that my eye will not return to see Kind...
Proverbs 4:2 ...because I taught you Kind teaching...
Proverbs 12:25 ...a Kind the word cheers him up...
Proverbs 22:1 ... Kind a name is better than great wealth...
Eccl 3:12 ...how to have fun and do Kind in my life...
Eccl 3:13 ...and he sees Kind in all your work...
Eccl 4:9 ...because they have Kind reward for their labor:...
Eccl 7:1 ... Kind a name is better than an expensive color...
Isaiah 7:15 ...rejecting what is evil and choosing Kind;..
Isaiah 7:16 ...rejecting what is evil and choosing Kind,..
Isaiah 41:23 ...or do something Kind Is it bad or bad...
Jeremiah 5:25 ...and your sins have taken it away from you Kind...
Jeremiah 12:6 ...Don't believe them when they tell you and Kind...
Jeremiah 13:23 ...can you do the same? Kind, accustomed to doing evil?..
Jeremiah 17:6 ...and he will not see it when he comes Kind,..
Jeremiah 18:20 ...to speak for them Kind,..
Jer 29:10 ...then I will visit you and fulfill Kind My word is about you...
Jer 33:14 ...when I have accomplished this Kind word,..
Hos 8:3 ...Rejected Israel Kind;..
Micah 3:2 ...And you hate Kind and love evil;...
Zechariah 8:15 ...to do Kind Jerusalem and the house of Judah...
Matthew 7:17 ...So is every tree Kind bears good fruits...
Matthew 7:18 ...The tree cannot Kind bear bad fruit...
Matthew 12:34 ...how can you speak Kind being angry?..
Matthew 12:35 ...A good man brings forth good treasures Kind,..
Matthew 13:24 ...to him who sowed Kind seed in his field...
Matthew 13:27 ...lord! Not Kind did you sow seed in your field?
Matthew 13:37 ...sowing Kind the seed is the Son of Man;...
Matthew 13:38 ... Kind seed, these are the sons of the kingdom...
Matthew 26:10 ...she Kind she did the deed for me:...
Mark 14:6 ...She Kind did the job for me...
Luke 6:45 ...A good man brings forth from the good treasure of his heart Kind,..
Luke 16:25 ...what you have already received Kind yours in your life...
John 1:46 ...But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything come from Nazareth?” Kind?..
John 10:33 ...not for Kind we really want to stone you, but for blasphemy...
James 1:17 ...All giving Kind and every perfect gift comes down from above...
James 2:7 ...Are they not the ones who dishonor Kind the name by which you are called?..
1 Peter 3:16 ...those who reproached you were put to shame Kind life in Christ...
Rom 2:10 ...Rather, glory and honor and peace to everyone who does Kind,..
Rom 7:13 ...So, is it really Kind Has it become deadly to me?..
Rom 7:18 ...For I know that he does not live in me, that is, in my flesh, Kind;..
Rom 7:21 ...when I want to do Kind, evil is with me...
Rom 14:16 ...Let not your blasphemy Kind...
2 Cor 5:10 ...living in the body, Kind or bad...
2 Cor 8:6 ...so I finished this also with you Kind case...
2 Cor 9:8 ...were rich in all sorts of things Kind case,..
Ephesians 4:29 ...but only Kind for edification in faith...
Phil 1:6 ...being confident of this, that He began in you Kind case...
1 Timothy 3:7 ...He must also have Kind evidence from outside...
1 Timothy 6:12 ...and confessed Kind confession before many witnesses...
1 Tim 6:13 ... Kind confession, I bequeath to you...
1 Timothy 6:19 ... laying up treasure for yourself, Kind foundation for the future...
2 Timothy 2:21 ...sanctified and useful to the Master, fit for all things Kind case...
Titus 3:1 ...be prepared for anything Kind case,..
Philm 1:14 ...so that Kind your deed was not forced, but voluntary...
1 Mac 11:33 ...we decided to show good deeds for their Kind location towards us...
2Mac 11:19 ...if you keep Kind disposition to the board,..
3Mac 3:3 ...Meanwhile the Jews kept Kind location...
3Mac 3:16 ...denying Kind and always leaning towards the bad...
3Ezra 2:14 ...Testify, O heavens and earth, for I have blotted out the evil and created Kind...
3Ez 3:22 ...and retreated Kind, and the evil remains...
Jude 8:29 ...and Kind the location of your heart...
PosIer 1:33 ...If they experience evil or Kind, cannot repay;..
Wis 4:12 ...For the exercise of wickedness darkens Kind,..
Wis 8:9 ...knowing that she will be my adviser in Kind...
Sir 11:14 ... Kind and bad, life and death...
Sir 30:27 ...Open and Kind the heart also cares about its food...
Sir 39:5 ...for he tested Kind and evil between people...
Sir 39:31 ...From the beginning it was created for the good Kind,..
Sir 41:16 ...the days of good life have a number, but Kind the name endures forever...
Sir 44:10 ...abides in their seed Kind inheritance;..
Sir 49:11 ...and proclaimed Kind those who corrected their ways...
Sir 51:29 ...therefore I purchased Kind acquisition...
Tob 12:6 ... Kind case –..
Tov 12:8 ... Kind case- prayer with fasting and almsgiving and justice.
Only good is immortal, evil does not live long! Shota Rustaveli
Evil, as a rule, avenges itself, but good is not necessarily rewarded. Evil is much more consistent. Karol Izhikowski
A good person is not one who knows how to do good, but one who does not know how to do evil. Vasily Osipovich Klyuchevsky
When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. This is my religion. Abraham Lincoln
No good is wasted. Ancient India, unknown author
A person is often left alone with himself, and then he needs virtue; sometimes he is in the company of other people, and then he needs a good name. Nicolas-Sebastian Chamfort
In his prayers, he simply asked the gods to grant good, for the gods know better than anyone what good consists of. Socrates
If you are evil, then why do you know how to do good to your children, and if you are considered kind and warm-hearted, then why don’t you do the same good to our children as to your own? Ivan IV the Terrible
Every impartially decided matter deprives a lie of its power, affirms the truth, creates good and destroys evil, like food that destroys hunger, like clothing that covers nakedness, just as the sky clears up after a fierce thunderstorm and the sun warms all those who are frozen, like a fire that fries that which was raw is like water that quenches thirst. Ancient Egypt, unknown author
Good deeds that are not done out of love for people and not out of concern for them, but for the salvation of one’s own soul, are not good at all. Where there is no love, there is no goodness. Nikolai Alexandrovich Berdyaev
Rather than live with a bad reputation, it is better to die with a good reputation. Zahireddin Muhammad Babur
I don’t do the good that I want, but I do the evil that I don’t want. Paul
Only he can passionately love goodness who is capable of wholeheartedly and irreconcilably hating evil. Johann Friedrich Schiller
Anyone who is happy with everyone does nothing good, because good is impossible without insulting evil. Nikolai Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky
Good deeds need to be covered up by new good deeds so that good fame does not fizzle out. Marcus Porcius Cato (the elder)
We must repay for good and for evil, but why exactly to the person who did good or evil to us? Friedrich Nietzsche
If you do good to a person, what more do you want? It’s not enough for you to do something in accordance with your nature - are you still looking for a reward for yourself? It’s the same as the eye would demand payment for looking, or the legs for walking. Marcus Aurelius
Love goodness, and then you will necessarily be useful to your fatherland, without thinking or trying to be useful to it. Vissarion Grigorievich Belinsky
Tragedy arises not when goodness is defeated, but when a person seems nobler than the forces that destroy him. George Orwell
Half the consequences of good intentions are evil. Half the consequences of bad intentions are good. Mark Twain
The secret of good government: let the ruler be the ruler, the subject the subject, the father the father, and the son the son. Confucius
Good can exist without evil; but evil cannot exist without good. Aurelius Augustine
An ounce of good fame weighs more than a pound of pearls. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Oh, if the majority were capable of doing the greatest evil in order to be capable of the greatest good! That would be nice! Otherwise, it is not capable of either one or the other: it cannot make a person either reasonable or unreasonable, but does whatever it takes. Plato
The favor of the powers that be is more likely to be achieved by the one who helps them throw their wealth into the wind than by the one who tries to teach how to increase it. Luc de Clapier Vauvenargues
The most powerful suggestion of goodness is an example of a good life. Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy
How far the rays of a tiny candle extend! In the same way, a good deed shines in a world of bad weather. William Shakespeare
A good king should do good to his friends and make his enemies friends. Ariston of Chios
The source of evil is vanity, and the source of good is mercy. Francois-René de Chateaubriand
There is and cannot be any compromise between good and evil, truth and lies, progress and regression. Giuseppe Mazzini
Like the reflection of the moon on water, the life of mortals is fragile; Knowing this, continually do good. Ancient India, unknown author
Nurses say about their pets that they should be sent to school: even if they cannot learn something good there, then, in any case, while at school they will not do anything bad. Lucian
The young men are good-natured because they have not yet seen many base things. They are gullible because they have not yet been deceived in many ways. They are generous because life has not yet humiliated them and they have not experienced need. Aristotle
He who thinks too much about doing good has no time to be good. Rabindranath Tagore
Morality lies in the perfect knowledge of good, in the perfect ability and desire to do good. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
In politics, as in trade, it is necessary to have a good name. It is impossible to cheat many times in either case. Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield
Gratitude to those who do us good is a universally recognized virtue, and to show gratitude in one form or another, however imperfectly, is a man's duty both to himself and to those who help him. Frederick Douglass
Gullibility never leads to good. Gaius Petronius Arbiter
What's the difference between a demon and a human? Goethe's Mephistopheles says: “I am part of that part of the whole that wants evil but does good.” Alas! A person could say the exact opposite about himself. Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
The invisible being called “Good Name” is the breath of all those who speak well of us. George Saville Halifax
Where there is no difference between happiness and unhappiness, between joy and sorrow, there is no difference between good and evil. Good is an affirmation; evil is the denial of the desire for happiness. Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach
How unreasonable a person is when, out of the good he has, he still seeks something else. Not being content with what he has and chasing more, a person loses what he had. Margaret of Navarre
When, while doing good, you do not think about yourself or others, a handful of grains will give mercy for a thousand pounds of bread. When, while helping others, you boast of your generosity and demand gratitude from people, then a hundred gold coins will not bring you even half a copper’s worth. Hong Zichen
It is less of a sin to follow evil, which you recognize as good, than not to dare to defend what you truly know to be good. Hieronymus of Stridonsky
A noble husband helps people see what is good in them, and does not teach people to see what is bad in them. But a short person does the opposite. Confucius
Consider in the depths of your soul: if you do something worthy with difficulty, the work quickly ends for you, and the good deed remains with you for the rest of your life; but if for the sake of pleasure you do something bad, the pleasure will quickly leave you, and the bad deed will always remain with you. Marcus Porcius Cato (the elder)
There is no righteous man on earth who does good and does not sin; therefore, do not pay attention to every word that is spoken. For your heart knows many cases when you yourself slandered others. Book of Ecclesiastes or Preacher
Such emptiness as good for the sake of good has no place at all in living activity. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Virtue is courageous and goodness never fears. I will never regret doing a good deed. William Shakespeare
The chastity of women is for the most part simply a concern for a good name and peace. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
As long as a person is able to do good, he is not in danger of encountering ingratitude. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
The reward for a good deed is a good deed, but the reward for a sin is a sin. Sages of the Talmud
Virtue and vice, moral good and evil - in all countries are determined by whether it is useful or harmful. this phenomenon for society. Voltaire
Do not let the ingratitude of many discourage you from doing good to people; After all, besides the fact that charity in itself and without any other goal is a noble deed, but by doing good, you sometimes meet in one person so much gratitude that it compensates for all the ingratitude of others. Francesco Guicciardini
Only good can be evil. Where there is no good, there cannot be any evil. Aurelius Augustine
A good person cannot admire the execution of an evil one. Quintus Septimius Florence Tertullian
He who does good to a friend does good to himself. Erasmus of Rotterdam
The dishonest means by which many rise to the top make it clear that the ends are also dishonest. kind words. Michel de Montaigne
The Irish are an honest people: they will not say a kind word about each other. Samuel Johnson
I wish you well, that’s why I scold you - this is how true friends are always recognized! Hans Christian Andersen
What's in given time considered evil is usually an untimely echo of what was once considered good - an atavism of the oldest ideal. Friedrich Nietzsche
Good is like a superlative degree of benefit, it’s like a very useful benefit. Nikolai Gavrilovich Chernyshevsky
A deceitful heart will find no good, and a wicked tongue will fall into trouble. Solomon
Whoever wants to be useful does so literally hands tied can do a lot of good. Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
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