Авва Исидор Пилусийский

1. Abba Isidore of Pilusia said: “A virtuous life without instruction by word is more instructive than instruction by word, to which life does not correspond: life edifies in silence, and word without life, despite its strong and brilliant presentation, serves only as a burden to those who hear. When word and life are united, they are the crown of wisdom.” 2. They told about Abba Isidore, the presbyter: “One day his brother came to him and invited him to a love supper. But the elder did not want to go and said: “Adam was seduced by food and was expelled from paradise.” The brother said to him: “Are you afraid to even leave your cell?” The elder answered: “Yes, I am afraid, my son: because “the devil, like a roaring lion, seeks someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). 3. He often used to say: “He who indulges in drunkenness cannot escape the slander of his thoughts. Lot, convinced by his daughters, got drunk on wine, and the devil conveniently lured him into fornication.” 4. He said: “He who is devoted to voluptuousness and the love of money cannot live pleasing to God.” 5. He said: “If you want salvation, do everything that leads to it.” 6. He said: “When you strive successfully in fasting, do not become arrogant about it. If you are vain about your fasting, then it would be better for you to eat meat: eating meat is not as harmful for a monk as pride and arrogance are harmful.” You might be interested in: