Blessed is the man who knows his own weakness, because this knowledge becomes to him the foundation and beginning of all goodness.
But, no one can perceive his own weakness if he is not allowed to be tempted a little, either by things that oppress his body, or his soul. For then, comparing his own weakness with God’s help, he will straightway understand the greatness of the latter.
When someone realizes that he is in need of God’s help, he creates a multitude of prayers, and by the measure of their multiplication, his heart will be humbled.
St Isaac the Syrian
