Shepherd of Hermas — Mandate 10 · Chapter 1

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Mandate 10.1.1 “Remove sorrow from yourself,” he says, “for it too is a sister of double-mindedness and a quick temper.”

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Mandate 10.1.2 “How, sir,” I say, “is it their sister? For a quick temper seems to me one thing, double-mindedness another, and sorrow another.” “You are without understanding, man,” he says. “Do you not comprehend that sorrow is more wicked than all the spirits and most terrible for God’s servants, that more than all the spirits it corrupts a person and wears away the holy spirit—and yet again saves?”

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Mandate 10.1.3 “Sir,” I say, “I lack understanding and do not understand these parables. For I do not comprehend how it can wear away and yet again save.”

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Mandate 10.1.4 “Listen,” he says. “Those who have never searched into truth nor inquired about the divine, but have only believed, becoming entangled in business, wealth, friendships with the nations, and many other affairs of this age—those who devote themselves to these things do not comprehend the parables concerning the divine. For they are darkened by these activities, corrupted, and made barren.

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Mandate 10.1.5 “Just as good vineyards, when neglected, become waste through thorns and various weeds, so people who have believed and become involved in the many activities previously mentioned are led astray from their understanding. They comprehend absolutely nothing about righteousness. Even when they hear about the divine and truth, their mind is occupied with their own activity, and they comprehend nothing at all.

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Mandate 10.1.6 “But those who have the fear of God, who search into the divine and truth, and whose heart is turned toward the Lord, more quickly comprehend and understand everything said to them, because they have the fear of the Lord within themselves. For where the Lord dwells, there is also much understanding. Cling to the Lord, therefore, and you will understand and comprehend everything.”