Not all those who are discreet in their words are also circumspect in their thoughts. Nor are all those who are circumspect in their thought also discreet where their external senses are concerned. For although all men are subject to the senses, not all pay them the same amount of tribute. In their artlessness, most men do not know the price the senses demand for what they supply.
A truly merciful person is not one that deliberately gives away superfluous things, but one that forgives those who deprive him of what he needs.
As regards his good qualities, the proud man does not want to be compared with his equals; but as regards his failings, he is quite content to be compared with those worse than himself.
~Ilias the Presbyter
Prayerful Life 