Pride

A brother asked an elder: “What is the beginning of man’s fall?”

The elder replied: “Pride is the first wound, for it does not come as a shout but as a whisper. It tells you that you are greater than the clay from which you were formed, and man, listening to it, rises up against his Creator.”

The Work of Pride

Pride makes a man forget his weakness and imagine himself strong. It separates him from his brother, for he no longer wants to be small but master. And it darkens his mind so that he no longer sees the gift of God, but only the vain glory of the world.

What Drives Him Toward Sin

The fear of being insignificant — man cannot bear to be small.
The thirst for glory — he seeks the eyes of men, not the face of God.
Self‑will — he wants to be the builder, yet remains clay.

Apophthegm

He who exalts himself falls lower than all, while he who humbles himself rises higher than thought can ascend.