Humility

Sts Barsanuphius and John (6th Century)

'...one who is concerned for his salvation should by no means ask questions in order to obtain knowledge only, for knowledge puffeth up (I Cor. 8:1), as the Apostle says. But to ask concerning the passions, and concerning how one should pass his life, that is, how to be saved, is most fitting; for this is necessary and leads one to humility. And humility is a shortened path to salvation, for it has been said: I was humbled and the Lord saved me (Ps. 114:6). Likewise, one of the Saints says: "A humble-minded monk is not curious to know the mysteries, but the proud one pries into God's judgments" (St. John of the Ladder, 25:11). (Guidance Toward Spiritual Life: Answers to the Questions of Disciples, 62, trans. Fr Seraphim Rose, p. 52)

'Perfect humility of wisdom consists of bearing reproaches and dishonor and the rest which our Teacher Jesus suffered. ... A sign of the fact that a man has touched on perfect prayer is the fact that he is no longer disturbed, even though the whole world might offend him.' (ibid, 79, p. 52)

'Humility is the only thing we need; one can still fall having virtues other than humility -- but with humility one does not fall.' ^{<citation needed>}

"On the other hand, one who practises the commandments of the Gospel is always immersed in humility."- The Arena, pg. 18

"Everyone must bear with gratitude what comes to him in the course of events. The more a person descends into humility, the more progress he makes and the more he succeeds." The Arena, pg. 39

"Love for our neighbour is preceeded and accompanied by humility in our human relationships." The Arena, pg. 62

'The man who endures accusations against himself with humility has arrived at perfection. He is marvelled at by the holy angels, for there is no other virtue so great and so hard to achieve.' ^{<citation needed>}