Бездействие

Blessed is the man who did not go into the meeting of the wicked... (Ps. 1:1). Wisely and skillfully, leading us to virtue, the psalmist made the departure from sin the beginning of good deeds. And if he suddenly demanded perfection from you, then perhaps you would be slow to get down to business. Now he’s accustoming you to things that are more accessible, so that you can take on other things more boldly. And I would say that the exercise of virtue is likened to a ladder, the same ladder that blessed Jacob once saw, one part of which was close to the earth and touched it, and the other extended even above the sky itself. Therefore, those entering a virtuous life must first establish their feet on the first steps and from them continually ascend higher and higher, until finally, through gradual progress, they ascend to the height possible for human nature. Therefore, just as the initial ascent up the ladder is removal from the earth, so in life according to God, removal from evil is the beginning of prosperity. In general, any inaction is much easier than any action. For example, do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal (Ex. 20:13–15); each of these commandments requires only inaction and stillness. Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 19:19), and: sell what you have and give it to the poor (Matthew 19:21), and: whoever forces you to go one mile with him, go with him two miles (Matthew 5:41) - these are already actions suitable for ascetics, and their performance requires a courageous soul. Therefore, marvel at the wisdom of the One who, through something easier and more accessible, leads us to perfection (2). You might be interested in: