Abba Abraham the Iberian asked Abba Theodore of Eleutheropolis, “Father, which is better: to gain glory or dishonor?” The elder said, “For my part, I would rather gain glory than dishonor. If I do a good work and am glorified, I can condemn my thought by saying that I am not worthy of this glory. But dishonor comes from bad deeds. How can I console my heart when people have been caused to stumble because of me? It is better, then, to do good and be glorified.” Abba Abraham said, “You have spoken well, Father.”
Abba Theodore said, “Lack of bread wastes the body of the monk.” Another elder said, “Vigil wastes the body even more.”