Philoxenus of Mabbug

In his own words on 2 Samuel

• 2 Samuel 15:12

  And the book of his history also sheweth us David's innocency, for on account of his simplicity in the direction of the affairs of this world he had one to give him counsel concerning human business with him continually; for the Book maketh known to us that Ahithophel was David's counsellor.

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 4 -- On Faith: First Discourse on Simplicity

• 2 Samuel 23:16

  And that even the drinking of cold water with lust is reprehensible David, the wise man of God, shall prove unto thee, for when he lusted to drink water from the great cistern which was in Bethlehem, and those who did hear him obeyed and brought it to him, he suppressed his lust, and poured it out before the Lord, as if by means thereof he was pouring out his lust; now the nature of water is not such as to cause sin even if he had partaken thereof, for it is cool and pleasant, but he perceived within himself that he had asked for it with lust and he conquered his lust, and did not grant its request. And he did this also that he might vex those who had been ministers unto his lust, by turning back their kindness upon themselves, that he might teach every man not to be in subjection unto his lust, and that we should not make our faces joyful towards those who minister unto our lust.

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 11 -- On Abstinence