The Sentences of Sextus

The Sentences of Sextus

[A collection of moral maxims for the one who would live for God; a selection.]

A faithful man is one chosen for truth.

Whatever God is to the world, the soul is to the body.

Use the body as a tool for the soul, and do not be its slave.

You cannot love God and love pleasure.

Let your speech be few and true; the wise man’s silence is better than the fool’s speech.

Honor God, and you will rule yourself.

It is better to serve others than to be served.

Whatever you would not have done to you, do not do to another.

Possess only what no one can take from you.

Give to the needy before they ask, as far as you are able.

A wise man does good to all as if to himself.

Knowing God, you will be known by God.

Do not think you are wise when you are not.

The tongue of the godly is a temple of God.

Guard your thoughts, for God sees them.

He who honors a wise teacher honors God.

[A selection; the collection is longer.]