Letter to Zenas and Serenus

Contents

1. 1The author, writing to Zenas and Serenus, explains why he writes: to show them the childish ways of some, so that they may avoid them.
2. 2Against anger and jealousy: say nothing harsh to an opponent, seek peace with those who differ, and teach without bearing grudges, unlike those who would hand everyone over to Gehenna.
3. 3Tranquillity comes from not seeking first places and from silence before the contentious; wrongdoer and wronged should hasten to be reconciled, and the believer must be free of fleshly desire.
4. 4On blameless speech: keep silence for the most part, flee evil suspicions, do everything by a right rule, and call on the physician, since no good dwells in the flesh.
5. 5Moderation in food, contentment in want, the world regarded as alien, and avoidance of busyness and worldly talk.
6. 6Against those who readily believe evil, take every remark as aimed at themselves, and stir up quarrels under a show of zeal and frankness.
7. 7Even temper, honour to friends, giving and hearing reproof, moderate use of wine, and patient listening; the ref breaks off mid-sentence.
8. 8Counsel on conduct with women, on avoiding evil talk, and on studying the Scriptures with humility.
9. 9Counsel on humility, quiet speech, sincere psalmody, listening, and avoiding contentiousness and boasting.
10. 10Counsel on forgiveness, on accepting admonition, on judging oneself, and on avoiding quarrels.
11. 11Counsel against scheming, for blamelessness and self-control in anger, and for examining oneself before admonishing others.
12. 12Counsel on the moderate use of wine as God's gift for the body's help.
13. 13Counsel against gluttony and its excuses.
14. 14Counsel on wealth and poverty, and the prize awaiting those who run within the rule.
15. 15Counsel on honourable and careful conduct toward women and against vanity and lust.
16. 16An allegorical reading of “the neighbour's wife” as the church and as the flesh.
17. 17Counsel on care for children and the sick, and on not being ashamed of manual work.
18. 18Counsel on godly grief and on preparing the mind for misfortune.
19. 19Closing counsel on virtue, purity of heart and mutual sympathy, with the final blessing.