Beseeching the Lord, who is our Helper, to help us to observe self-control in all circumstances, and explaining the harmful and pernicious consequences of indiscipline.
Let us implore God to help us to self-control: one who lacks self-control is deprived of the grace of the Lord.
The undisciplined man does not maltreat himself alone, but he sets the whole world on fire.
A table (of food) was coming down from heaven without headache (trouble) and without selling and buying, (When) some of the people of Moses cried disrespectfully, “Where is garlic and lentils?”
(Straightway) the heavenly bread and dishes (of food) were cut off: there remained (for all of them) the toil of sowing and (labouring with) mattock and scythe.
Again, when Jesus made intercession, God sent food and bounty (from heaven) on trays,
But once more the insolent fellows omitted to show respect and, like beggars, snatched away the viands.
(Although) Jesus entreated them, saying, “This is lasting and will not fail from off the earth.”
To show suspicion and greed at the table of Majesty is ingratitude.
Because of those impudent wretches who were blinded by greed, that gate of mercy was closed upon them.
On account of withholding the poor-tax no rain-clouds arise, and in consequence of fornication the plague spreads in all directions.
Whatever befalls thee of gloom and sorrow is the result of irreverence and insolence withal.
Any one behaving with irreverence in the path of the Friend is a brigand who robs men, and he is no man.
Through discipline this Heaven has been filled with light, and through discipline the angels became immaculate and holy.
By reason of irreverence the sun was eclipsed, and insolence caused an ‘Azázíl to be turned back from the door.
