Becoming a Community of Disciples

76

Becoming a Community of Disciples

53 I have been exalted, and cast down and confounded (Ps 88:16). 54 And again: It is good for me that you have humbled me, that I may learn your commandments (Ps 119:71, 73). 55 The eighth step of humility is for a monk to do nothing except what is encouraged by the common rule of the monastery or the example of the superiors. 56 The ninth step of humility is that a monk prohibit his tongue from speaking (Ps 34:14), having restraint of speech unless asked a question, 57 for Scripture makes clear that In speaking much you cannot avoid sin (Prov 10:19) 58 and, The talkative man is without direction on earth (Ps 140:12). 59 The tenth step of humility is that one is not easily or promptly moved to laughter, for it is written: The fool raises his voice in laughter (Sir 21:23). 60 The eleventh step of humility is that when speaking the monk does so gently and without laughter, humbly and with gravity, speaking few but reasonable words, and that his voice is not clamorous: 61 as it is written, A wise man is known by his few words. 62 The twelfth step of humility is that the monk, not only in his heart, but by means of his own body always indicates his humility to those who see him— 63 that is, at the Work of God 4 , in the oratory, in the monastery, in the garden, on the road, in the field, or wherever he may be, whether sitting, walking, or standing—with head always inclined and gaze fixed on the ground, 64 estimating at

4 Work of God – that is, when he prays.