“The fear of God is without turmoil, agitation or restlessness. If, therefore, before our encounter with others, we prepare our hearts with vigilance in the fear of God, why should there be any reason for us to become upset or laugh? There is, in fact, no laughter in the presence of godly fear. It is said of the fools…”
Venerable Barsanuphius and John the Prophet, 6th c. — BOOK OF LETTERS 454
Original
20A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter; but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
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In context
18As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk without sense.
19Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
— Sirach 21:20 —
21Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
22A foolish man’s foot is soon in his neighbour’s house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.