Quotes by Saint Benedict of Nursia

“He should know that whoever undertakes the government of souls must prepare himself to account for them.””

“The abbot ought ever to bear in mind what he is and what he is called; he ought to know that to whom more is entrusted, from him more is exacted.””

“Wherefore let us consider how it behoveth us to be in the sight of God and the angels, and so let us take our part in the psalmody that mind and voice accord together.””

“The prophet shows that, for the sake of silence, we are to abstain even from good talk. If this be so, how much more needful is it that we refrain from evil words, on account of the penalty of the sin!””

“For at all times we must so serve Him with the good things He has given us, that he may not, as an angry Father, disinherit his children, nor as a dread Lord, provoked by our evil deeds, deliver us to everlasting punishment as wicked servants who refuse to follow Him to glory.””

“Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.””

“No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else.””

“Are you hastening toward your heavenly home?””

“The first step towards humility is to keep the fear of God in mind at all times.””

“But care must be taken against excessive eating so that no one is laid low by gastric upset.””

“What thou dost not wish to be done to thee, do not thou to another" (Tb 4:16).””