144 Quotes by Bernard of Clairvaux

It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment.

Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.

Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe.

Prayer is a virtue that prevaileth against all temptations.

Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.

If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. For a canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, but a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus communicates, without loss to itself, its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day, we have many canals, few reservoirs.

We are to love God for Himself, because of a twofold reason; nothing is more reasonable, nothing more profitable.

Love seeks no cause beyond itself and no fruit; it is its own fruit, its own enjoyment. I love because I love; I love in order that I may love.

Expect much of God, and he will do much for you.