The Instruments of Good Works

Do not be proud, nor given to wine (Titus 1:7, 1 tim. 3:3). Do not be a glutton, nor given to much sleeping, nor slothful (Rom. 12:11).

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

Do not render evil for evil (1 Thess 5:15; 1 Pet. 3:9). Do no wrong to anyone; rather, bear patiently the wrong done to yourself. Love your enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27). Do not render cursing for cursing, but rather blessing. Bear persecution for justice's sake (Matt 5:10).

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

Not to gratify anger; not to harbor a desire of revenge, not to foster guile in your heart, not to make a feigned peace, not to forsake charity. Not to swear, lest perchance you perjure yourself; to utter truth from your heart and your mouth.

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

To keep aloof from worldly attractions; to prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

To deny yourself, in order to follow Christ (Matt 16:24; Luke 9:23). To chastise the body (1 Cor. 9:27): not to seek after delicate living: to love fasting. To relieve the poor; to clothe the naked, to visiti the sick (Matt. 25:36), to bury the dead. To help in affliction; to console the sorrowing.

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

Then, to love your neighbor as yourself. you are not to kill, not to commit dultry, not to steal, not to covet (Rom. 13:9). You are not to bear false witness (Matt 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20). You must honor all (1 Pet. 2:17). You must not do to another what you would not have done to yourself (Tob. 4:16; Matt 7:12).

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4

The Instruments of Good Works

In the first place, to love the Lord God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength [and to love your neighbor as yourself]. (Matt 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:47).

Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4