‘To live without speaking is better than to speak without living. For the former lives properly and does good even by his silence, but the latter does no good even when he speaks. When words and life correspond to one another, they are together the whole of philosophy.’ — Abba Isisdore of Pelusia.

He said, ‘We do not only need words, for at the present time there are many words among men; but we need works, for this is what is required – not words that do not bear fruit.’ — Abba James.