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We must not only guard against the possession of money, but also must expel from our souls the desire for it. For we should not so much avoid the results of covetousness, as cut off by the roots all disposition towards it. For it will do no good not to possess money, if there exists in us the desire for getting it.

— John Cassian Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

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More quotes by John Cassian

How will he see to cast out the mote from his brother's eye, who has the beam of anger in his own eye?

Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

Having laid the foundations badly, they [covetous souls] are unworthy to raise an edifice of virtue and reach the summit of perfection.

Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

Wrath that is nursed in the heart, although it may not injure men who stand by, yet excludes the splendour of the radiance of the Holy Ghost, equally with wrath that is openly manifested.

Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

It is possible that those who are in no way pressed down with the weight of money may be condemned with the covetous in disposition and intent. For it was the opportunity of possessing which was wanting in their case, and not the will for it.

Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

With the increase of wealth the mania of covetousness increases.

Institutes of the Coenobia (420)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Cassian (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.