When you hear someone praising you, remember the words of the Scriptures: “O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths” (Isaiah 3:12). Such praise prevents us from seeing the abomination of our actions; it probably does harm even to those who have attained a measure (of spiritual achievement) and separates man from faith in God, Who says: “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another?” (John 5:44). He who accepts the humility of the Apostle will rather choose to be “a fool, that he may be wise” later (I Corinthians 3:18). But if a man shows himself clever rather than spiritual, it would surprise me if he escaped the judgment reserved for boastfulness.
Barsanuphius and John
Directions on Spiritual Work
