Do not be proud and lofty - so you don’t resemble the devil; do not praise yourself – so you don’t be like him. But be gentle and humble - and you will be praised by the Lord Himself and you will be like the angels: " But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word”. (Isaiah 66:2). It is through this that devils differentiate themselves from the angels - they have fallen from God because they were not humble and obedient. For nothing is more unpleasant to God and men, than high self-esteem and pride, as there is nothing more pleasant and benevolent, than meekness and humbleness.

The one who is humble and gentle will always be in peace but the lofty and proud will always be anxious and restless. “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Psalms 25:8-9). Be humble and you will be like the angels. Don’t be proud, not even for the smallest thing, so you don’t be casted away by our Lord. Under no circumstances do not praise yourself - lest falling, you indulge in all evil: "The proud will fall and will be crushed and you will not pick him up" - says the prophet. Do not seek the height - the most wonderful things lay beneath you. Fear the God and you will not fall or get caught in the trap of the enemy.

(Translated from Sfântul Dimitrie al Rostovului, Alfabetul duhovnicesc, Editura Sophia, București, 2007, pp. 68-69)