Quotes from Isaac of Nineveh

The soul that loves God has its rest in God and in God alone. In all the paths that men walk in in the world, they do not attain peace until they draw nigh to hope in God.

The Lord bears all the weaknesses of men, but He does not bear a man who is always murmuring, and does not leave Him without chastisement.

If zeal had been appropriate for putting humanity right, why did God the Word clothe himself in the body, using gentleness and humility in order to bring the world back to his Father?

Let them push you, but do not push; Let them crucify you, but do not crucify. Let them insult, but do not insult. Let them slander, but do not slander. Be meek, and do not be zealous in evil.

When you want to make a beginning of a good deed, first prepare for temptations, which will come to you, and don't doubt the truth of that which you do for God.

If you cannot close the mouth of one who reviles his brother, at least avoid conversation with him.

Afflictions for God's sake are dearer to Him than any prayer or sacrifice.

The Commandments of God are higher than all the treasures of the earth. Whoever has acquired them has received God within himself.

May your divinity, Lord, take pleasure in me and lead me above the world to be with you.

The prayer of one who does not consider himself a sinner is not accepted by the Lord.

Love is the fruit of prayer ... Patiently abiding in prayer signifies a man's renunciation of himself. Therefore the self-denial of the soul turns into love for God.

If, at the time when the mind is praying it is distracted by any extraneous thought or worry about anything, then this prayer is not called pure.

Conquer evil people by gentle kindness, and make zealous people wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion.

The man with a heart cannot think about or see creatures without his eyes filling up with tears because of the immense compassion which seizes his heart.

This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.

Make peace with yourself, and both heaven and earth will make peace with you.

Do not waste this life in vain pursuits.

Do not test out your mind on the grounds that you are examining what seductive and impure thoughts look like, imagining that, as you do this, you will not be overcome by them. Even the wise have in this way been thrown into confusion and become infatuated.

If God is slow in answering your request, or if you ask but do not promptly receive anything, do not be upset, for you are not wiser than God.

Be at peace with your own soul, then heaven and earth will be at peace with you.

Wishing to open my mouth, O brethren, and speak on the exalted theme of humility, I am filled with fear, even as a man who understands that he is about to discourse concerning God with the art of his own words. For humility is the raiment of the Godhead.

O Christ, on you the many-eyed cherubim are unable to look because of the glory of your countenance, yet out of your love you accepted spittle on your face. Remove the shame from my face, and grant me to have an unashamed face before you at the time of prayer.

The beginning of divine wisdom is clemency and gentleness, which arise from greatness of soul and the bearing of infirmities.

Solitude is an ocean with wonderful places hidden in its depths.