A collection of scriptural meditations from Saints and Fathers of the Church.

Not one of us can boast of having acquired humility: our actions, the whole of our life, prove the contrary. And where there is a lack of humility, pride is always present. Where light is wanting, darkness reigns.

Arrogance cannot bear to see itself scorned and humility held in honor.

A certain elder was asked when one attains humility. 'When he remembers his sins continuously,' he replied.

Labor to acquire meekness. Concerning the heavenly virtues, meekness and humility, the Lord Himself teaches us, saying: Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt. 11:29). Learn not from angels, nor from men, but from Me, He says; that is, from the higher wisdom.

It is not the clever, the noble, the polished speakers, or the rich who win, but whoever is insulted and forebears, whoever is wronged and forgives, whoever is slandered and endures, whoever becomes a sponge and mops up whatever they might say to him. Such a person is cleansed and polished even more. He reaches great heights. He delights in the theoria of mysteries. And finally, it is he who is already inside paradise, while still in this life.

I prefer a defeat accompanied by humility to a victory accompanied by pride.

He who seeks glory from men travels by the path of pride, but he who seeks glory from God travels by the path of humility.

Arrogance cannot bear to see itself scorned and humility held in honor.

What else is so dear to God and welcome as a contrite and humble heart, and pride laid low in a spirit of humility? It is in such a condition of soul that God Himself comes to dwell and make His rest, and that every machination of the devil remains ineffective.

Observe at the same time that the mystery consists in the very office of humility, for Christ says: 'If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; how much more ought you to wash one another's feet.' For, since the Author of Salvation Himself redeemed us through His obedience, how much more ought we His servants to offer the service of our humility and obedience.

The old man was asked, 'What is the good of the fasts and watchings which a man imposes on himself?' and he replied, 'They make the soul humble. For it is written, Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins' (Psalm 25:18). 'So if the soul gives itself all this hardship, God will have mercy on it.' The old man was (also) asked, 'What should a man do in all the temptations and evil thoughts that come upon him?' The old man said to him, 'He should weep and implore the goodness of God to come to his aid, and he will obtain peace if he prays with discernment. For it is written, 'With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me?' (Psalm 118:6).

As with the appearance of light, darkness retreats; so, at the fragrance of humility, all anger and bitterness vanishes.

There is nothing more powerful than lowliness.

It seems to me that, in all cases when indignity is offered to us, we should be silent; for it is our moment of profit.

Learn the humility of Christ and the Lord will give you to taste of the sweetness of prayer.

Without humility no other virtue is possible, for if man does not fulfill virtue in a spirit of humility, he will inevitably fall into God-opposing pride, and will fall away from God’s mercy.

Repentance raises the fallen, mourning knocks at the gate of Heaven, and holy humility opens it.

All human misfortunes and all un-Christian acts spring from pride; all good comes from humility.

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