Sayings of Saint Anthony the Great
The sins of the righteous are on their lips, but the sins of hypocrites are in their whole body.
A time is coming when people will go mad, and when they see someone who is sane, they will rise up against him, saying, “You are mad,” because he is not like them.
Hold fast to tears, and God will have mercy on you; but beware of being faint-hearted.
Eat your bread in calm, silence and self-control, and beware of gluttony, for it drives the fear of God out of the heart.
Do not be quick to listen, lest you become a vessel for every evil.
Know that by your patience you break the power of the enemy.
Reject pride, and consider all people more righteous than yourself.
By the sign of the cross, sorcery grows weak and the power of divination fades away.
If we judge ourselves, the Judge will be pleased with us.
– “I no longer fear God, but I love him, for perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
If a person arms himself with unwavering faithfulness to God’s commandments, the Holy Spirit will teach him how to purify his soul and body.
Do not tell all your thoughts to everyone, but only to those who have the power to save your soul.
– When you lie down on your bed, remember God’s blessings and his care for you, and thank him for them; filled with these thoughts, you will rejoice in spirit. Then the sleep of your body will be an uplifting of your soul, the closing of your eyes a true knowledge of God, and your silence, full of good feelings, a glorification of Almighty God with all your heart and all your strength, offering God praise that rises to the heights.
