Demonstrations 9.1–9.14

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Humility is good at all times, and it rescues from all troubles those who draw near to it; it also yields many fruits and brings forth very many good things. For from it springs integrity, through which Noah became pleasing and was delivered, as it is written that the Lord said to him: "I have seen you righteous and blameless in this generation." And there are many testimonies about humility. For [God] says in Scripture: "The meek will inherit the land and dwell on it for ever." Again Isaiah the prophet said: "On whom will I look, and with whom will I dwell, except with the man who is quiet and humble and trembles at my words?" Again he says: "Better is one humble in spirit and lowly of eyes than the conqueror of a city." He speaks thus as well: "The righteousness of the [man] of integrity goes before him." And of Moses, the faithful man, it is written: "He was the meekest of all men on the face of the earth."

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

For humility is a witness of the good things [gained] through the fear of God; and many gifts are acquired through humility by those who love it. If you seek mercy, it is found with the humble; humility is the dwelling of righteousness; the humble possess teaching, and their lips bring forth knowledge; humility gives birth to wisdom and prudence; the humble possess long-suffering; and if you seek chastity and purity, it is found in the humble man. Devotion is pleasant and sweet to them. The speech of the humble man is gentle and his face cheerful; the humble man smiles and rejoices. Love befits the humble, and they know how to walk in it. The humble abstain from every evil thing; their face shines with goodness of heart. The humble man speaks finely, with smiling lips, not with a loud voice. The humble man shudders at strife, because it breeds envy. When the humble man hears savage words, he stops his ears so that they do not enter his heart. The mind of the humble man brings forth all good things, and the feelings of his soul turn over the most beautiful thoughts. The humble man drinks teaching like water, and it penetrates his veins like oil. The humble man lowers himself, but his heart is lifted up to the highest summits. Where his treasure is, there he directs his thought. The sight of his eyes looks at the earth, but the gaze of his mind [considers] lofty things. The humble man is always fearful lest, in dealing with another, he incur blame. The humble man meditates on the law of the Lord and takes from it the medicine he seeks. The humble man rejoices in the good things of his friend; he reckons his neighbor as himself. The humble man approaches a powerful and proud man and wholly wins and carries off his mind. The humble man pulls down the strongest fortresses and turns away fury and enmity.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Jacob's humility overcame the anger of Esau his brother and of the four hundred men who were with him. Joseph's humility overcame the anger of his brothers, who envied and hated him. Moses too by his humility overcame and humbled all Pharaoh's pride. Likewise David's humility overcame the pride of Goliath, who rushed madly against him. Hezekiah also by humility overcame all the threats of Sennacherib, who provoked and blasphemed. Mordecai's humility too overcame all Haman's boasting. And finally Daniel and his brothers overcame wicked men and slanderers by humility.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

The humble keep themselves from envy, jealousy, and strife. Pride seems detestable to them; they are free of cruelty; they put falsehood far from them; they shrink far from slander; they turn away and reject enmity, since they are sons of peace. They banish and spurn insolence, because they care for their good name. They do not know rebellion, since they love simplicity and righteousness, quiet and peaceable, waiting for the Bridegroom and strangers to the whole world. Arrogance is far from them; they think scoffers worthy of hatred. The inner chambers of their hearts are full of the best treasures, and their conscience is clean of deceit. With the eyes of the mind they look to lofty things; they contemplate the beauty of their Lord and rejoice in him continually. Their heart conceives whatever is beautiful, and their lips bring forth the best fruits. From the good seed they received from the Lord they root out and throw away harmful thorns. The seed they have watered from the fountain of life bears fruit a hundredfold. Humility is planted in them and yields the fruits of faith and love. They put on Christ as the best garment, which they keep from all uncleanness; and the Spirit they have received dwells in them; they love him and never grieve him. They adorn their temples for the great King, and he enters into quiet and humble people. They set their building on the Rock of truth and are not frightened by waves or winds. Their works shine like lamps, and their light shines before them. They prepare gifts for the coming Bridegroom and wait until they enter his bridal chamber. They take the money and trade with it, and long to gain ten talents. They reject their possessions and pour them out; they do not shut up or bury money. Their visible body walks on the earth, but all their thoughts are laid up with the Lord. They walk and go forward by the narrow and strait way and enter by the narrow gate of the kingdom. They hold their mind in the keeping of the law, so as to meditate on it at all times. In the world they think and live as strangers, looking to that heavenly city; their mind is caught up and set on high, and they hope to enter that sanctuary. Their eyes, opened, look in there and see the Bridegroom preparing himself. Their angels go there every day, taking and bringing peace and quiet. Their names are written in the book of life, and with groaning they plead not to be blotted out from it. Their offerings … [to him] who has the power to write and to blot out. They write the law of the Lord on their hearts, so that they may be written in that book for ever; they [confess] their sins continually … They train their tongues in the songs of Christ, so that they may be refreshed in that place of pleasant and sweet hymns; and they strive until they see that place; they endure want until … they keep perfect concord with everyone. The humble are sons of the Most High and brothers of Christ, who, after he was announced … received. For when Gabriel [brought the good news to] the most blessed Mary, … the Fruit of blessing … was sown. She praised and magnified the Lord because he looked [on her lowliness] … and the mighty did not please him; and the Most High exalts all the humble. See then, my beloved, that peace runs to meet the humble.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Again, when the Teacher of humility was born, the angels of heaven gave this praise and said: "Peace in heaven, and glory on earth, and good hope to men." And after he came, teaching humility, he said: "Whoever strikes you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever compels you to go a mile with him [, go with him two; and to whoever wishes to] take your tunic, give him your cloak also." All these things that the Savior taught the humble can do. Exaltation and pride do not befit the humble, nor a diadem the head of the needy. The Lord turns away from the humble man who exalts himself, and the king will kill the poor man who sets a crown on his own head. Our beautiful King is adorned with the crown of magnificence and exaltation. Glory befits him alone, because it is his, and it is the sign of his kingdom. Exaltation befits his nature; but for those born of flesh it is ugly and detestable. The signs and marks of royal power befit the king, not little ones. Therefore, my beloved, whatever in us is hateful to God and in him is pleasing, let it not be found with us; but let what is his remain in him, and let us stand in our own condition. Humility befits us; glory and magnificence are due to him. He has given us what is ours, namely humility; and whatever he has not given us, let us not take. For even when he imparts it to us, he tests us by temptation. If anyone takes what is not his, he is handed over to custody as an evildoer and traitor. But one who remains in his humble condition will be exalted by the Most High; let him not covet glory.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

For a man cannot serve two masters. Exaltation is not joined with humility, nor pride with chastity. Boldness does not go with patience, nor rashness with humility. Whoever embraces pride now will be deprived of the world to come; but whoever loves humility will be exalted and magnified in splendid seats. The rich man who was clothed in purple raised himself up in pride and glory; but when he went down there, he was sent into torment, while Lazarus, who had humbled himself, was exalted and sat in Abraham's bosom. The Pharisee and the tax collector were praying in the temple; the Pharisee boasted, declaring himself righteous, but he did not go down to his house justified; the tax collector humbled himself and went down to his house justified. Evil opposes good, and darkness light, enmity righteousness, humility envy, and silence strife. Evil has no power to rise against good; darkness flees as soon as it sees light; bitterness is weakened by sweetness; a quarrel is destroyed by fairness, and silence quenches strife. For darkness never envies gloom, nor does enmity envy rebellion, nor does jealousy mock strife, nor does bitterness hate wormwood; but the evil envy the good, the wicked disparage the righteous, the proud boast against the humble, liars mock the truthful, and fools despise the wise. One who does not possess truth wants no one to be found righteous. One who is wrapped in pride regards the humble man as the slayer of exaltation. One whose hands are entangled in crime hates the righteous man; and one whose mouth is full of falsehood [hates] the truth.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

There is no other remedy for envy except silence and humility; and jealousy earns an evil reward. When the serpent envied man in paradise, it underwent the penalty of a threefold curse: [God] stripped it of its feet, and it went on its belly; he also took away its food and gave it dust; and finally he made it an enemy for man to trample with his feet. Cain, having killed Abel out of envy, received curses to seven generations and became trembling and tottering on the earth. Esau envied Jacob his brother and persecuted him; but humble Jacob received the birthright with the blessings, while the proud one was made subject to the humble. Likewise humble Joseph was exalted over those who envied him, and those who hated him fell down before him and bowed to him. Pharaoh, who out of envy of the Hebrew people had ordered their boys to be destroyed in the river, was judged with the same judgment with which he had judged and paid the penalty of his crimes. To Korah and his companions, who envied Moses, the worst retribution came: Sheol opened its mouth and swallowed him; fire was kindled and consumed him. Aaron and Miriam too envied the humble Moses; but the Holy One showed himself to them, and Miriam suffered leprosy for seven days. Saul showed himself envious and hostile to humble David; but the Holy Spirit departed from him, and he was tossed by a troubling spirit. Ahab too killed Naboth through envy, and in the very place where the dogs had licked Naboth's blood the dogs likewise licked Ahab's blood. Jezebel pursued Elijah; but she could not harm him, and she was devoured by dogs, while Elijah was taken up to heaven. The accusers who slandered the righteous men were consumed by the flame of fire, but the righteous men were delivered from it. The Chaldeans who accused Daniel themselves got the pit they had opened for him. Haman envied Mordecai and his people, but gained nothing by his edict and suffered death with his sons on the gallows. And [God] drove out from its place and scattered the foolish people who did not receive the humble King Christ. But when he returns, having received the kingdom, his enemies will be destroyed before him. I have not been reluctant to relate all this to you, my beloved, so that you may know for certain that the wicked will receive just penalties for the sake of the meek.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Therefore, my beloved, believe firmly that the evil one dwells in every person wrapped in envy, and that the unclean spirit that dwelt in Saul likewise lives in such a person. For when David played the lyre to refresh Saul, Saul, because of the envy with which he was covered, aimed a spear at him in return for his kindness. But in one in whom humility is found the Meek and Humble One dwells, and he becomes a house for the dwelling of Christ. Remember that I wrote to you that the good never envy the evil, but rather the wicked the good; nor have I ever seen a rich man jealous of the poor, nor the righteous envying the wicked, or the good the wicked; nor the peaceable envying sedition, nor the truthful liars, nor the upright the dissolute, nor the chaste the insolent. Therefore pursue humility, which overcomes envy and removes quarrelling; and join silence and patience to it, so that you may keep apart from frequent strife. Love humility, acquire chastity, and add patience to both. The humble are loved by many; but the proud are hated even by the wicked who are like them. Turn away from anger, and go far from the stain of the envious. Do not open your mouth to your anger, nor shape your face to it in many ways, nor train your tongue to it, lest it bring forth evil fruits from it. Let this offspring of anger not be born in you, lest perhaps many thoughts spring from its brood …

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

When anger is conceived in you, you contract an ulcer. Do not let it be born by your tongue, and do not bring it onto your lips. Keep all the thoughts that rise in your heart within your hidden breast; let your tongue have the good things your mind has formed, and let your mouth learn beautiful words. Turn over any word in your mind for several days; then weigh whether it is fitting, and only then entrust it to your tongue; otherwise let it die in your heart and hide it in your mind. Guard your tongue from false witness, lest you yourself set your whole body on fire. Magnify nobly the Son of the King who dwells in you, and do not bring in evil adversaries with him. For he wishes to dwell alone in a person, and he does not live in a man [entangled] in many thoughts. Let your tongue, with which you lick the wounds of your Lord, love silence. Let your lips, with which you kiss the Son of the King, beware of dissension. Let no vanity come out of your mouth, lest he depart from you and refuse to remain with you.

[11] Love humility like a very strong wall, like iron; love chastity like the sweetest fruits, which if anyone eats, his soul will be satisfied and filled with gladness and joy. As all trees are known by their fruits, so a person's thoughts are seen from his mouth. A wise man knows the mind of another whom he meets from his tongue; for out of the abundance of the heart the lips speak. A man who fears God always speaks every good thing; he recites the law of his Lord and pronounces it aloud; and if he hears trifling words, he does not lend his ear. He brings forth the best words; but curses are not found in his mouth, because he never conceives anything foul in his mind. By these things a man who meditates on the law of his Lord is proved; these are the fruits of the good tree. Likewise the wise man will discern from his lips one who thinks evil; the hearer will recognize one who utters nonsense, ridiculous or mocking words, and insults. For such things must have been conceived before they were born; nothing comes to birth without conception. Remember the words of the Savior: "A good tree makes good fruits; but a bad tree makes bad fruits. A bad tree cannot give good fruits, nor a good tree make bad fruits. For a tree is known by its fruits. So a good man brings forth and speaks good things from the good treasures of his heart; and an evil man brings forth and speaks evil things from the evil treasures of his heart." … [of its fruits] a thousand, from one of them you can judge the tree; and when you have tasted one of the many excellent and sweetest fruits of a tree, your soul will rejoice … is tested by his words; if he finds them corrupt, he does not wish to hear words any more … and constantly desires to learn. The wise man likewise is discerned from his words; but one whose mind meditates wicked things, [when he moves] among the humble and wise who think rightly, is like bitter … mixed with a quince …

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Embrace humility, my beloved, which is a most pleasing fragrance and most sweet to the taste. A humble man who keeps his humility even if he is raised in honour is loved by the humble and the powerful alike. And if it happens that he is broken, he incurs no reproach, since he remains in the same lot in which he stood. But if a proud man, who never wishes to lower himself, happens to be humbled, he falls with a heavy fall, because when he was raised up he did not humble himself. Many love the humble man; very many are eager to be greeted by him; many also tell his praises; and the faults of one who has brought forth nothing evil against another in his heart are covered by his humility. The humble man sits and meditates on wisdom; his mind unfolds on high, even to heaven. The word of the humble man, shaped and weighed by him on the scales, is listened to and obeyed. The recesses of his heart are full of the best treasures, and his tongue brings forth sweet fruits. Humility is a fountain of happiness; streams of peace run down from it. Noah loved humility, through which he was saved from the waters of the flood. Abraham too came near to it and became heir in the land of life; he fell down before God and humbled himself as dust and ashes. Through humility Isaac likewise was magnified, and kings knew him and sought his covenant. Jacob was a blameless man and dwelt in a tent, and he received from his father the blessings of Esau. All our fathers of old were humble, chaste, and patient. The Most High exalted the humble, but humbled the proud and brought them down to the dust. Job loved humility, and the Lord bore witness to his integrity. The evil Satan pursued him with hatred; but Job put to shame the enemy and adversary of the righteous, and was himself exalted by the Lord, because he had acted bravely in his integrity, as he testified with his own mouth.

Translated by Claude from Jean Parisot's Latin translation (1894) of the Syriac; neither is shown

Love, my beloved, that portion and state in which the children of flesh ought to remain. It is right for a person to humble himself, [namely] the nature of that earthy Adam, on whom his Lord laid a commandment to keep, so that, having perfectly kept the command, he would be raised by the Lord to a higher state. But since he wished to seize a loftiness foreign to his nature, the Lord returned him to the lowliness of his original state. Our Savior testifies to this, saying: "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be exalted." Adam exalted himself and was humbled, and returned to the dust of his original nature. Our glorious and renowned Savior humbled himself; but he was exalted and raised to his former nature, increased in glory, and all things were subjected to him. The Savior, because he humbled himself, received glory and was increased. Adam, who exalted himself, received humiliation and brought on himself curses added to the humiliation. Therefore, my beloved, it befits and is fitting for a man who loves God to love humility and to persevere in the condition of humility, whose root is set in the earth while its fruits go up into the presence of the Lord of majesty: humility, I say, whose fruits are sweet, in which are found meekness, chastity, and pleasant thoughts. Humble men are simple, patient, beloved, blameless and righteous, shrewd for good, skilful, calm and wise, peaceable, quiet, merciful, given to repentance, kind, lofty and mature of mind, comely and most desirable. If anyone loves that tree which has such fruits, his soul is happy, rests in peace, and in it dwells the One who looks on the meek and humble.