About thoughts, discrimination and real knowledge

One man received a thought and accepted it without examination. Another received a thought and tested its truth. Which of them acted with greater reverence?

Based upon this handling of thoughts, good or bad, real knowledge is patiently to accept affliction and not to blame others for our own misfortunes.

On the other hand, he who does something good and expects a reward is serving not God but his own will, while a sinner cannot escape retribution except through repentance appropriate to his offence.

Based on St. Mark the Ascetic

Two monks in the Vatopaidi’s garage workshop