Syriac Patrology, Volume 1: The Demonstrations of Aphrahat

APHRAATIS

institution until the time when Jerusalem was overthrown and lost its grace; [showing] with what diligence the just preserved the blessing flowing from them, until it was transferred to the Gentiles through Jesus. Certainly, the examination of words helps much for learning and understanding; but it is more excellent for us to fear God in the purity of our heart, the giver of words, who wrote and proposed to us through great labor and fear, that those who fear God must enter through the narrow gate and the constricted way.

2. First of all, it behooves us, most dear one, to fear the judgment of God, and the words and precepts of the Vivifier, who says:

"Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36

Again it is written:

"By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." Matthew 12:37

It is also written:

"The mouth of men casts them down." Ecclesiastes 10:12

And in another place it is written:

"The mouth of the fool prepares a snare for him." Proverbs 18:7

Remember also the words of the Teacher of the Gentiles St. Paul saying:

"We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive according to what he has done in his body, whether it be good or evil." 2 Corinthians 5:10

He says further: "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12

and he assigned its service to the tabernacle; and it was held until the time when Jerusalem passed over it and lost its grace, so that the just might know with diligence the blessing that flowed from them secretly, and passed to the nations through Jesus. And the searching of words gives strength for learning and understanding; but it is good in all things to fear the Lord with purity of heart, the giver of words, he who wrote and set before us, through great labor and much fear, that it is fitting for those who fear God to enter by the narrow gate and the constricted way.

2. From now on, my beloved, it is fitting for us to fear the judgment of God and his words and commands, of the Vivifier, who said:

"Of every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account in the day of judgment."

And again it is written:

"By your words you shall be justified: and by your words you shall be condemned."

And also it is written:

"The mouth of men is a snare for them."

And in another place it is written:

"The mouth of a fool is a trap for his own soul."

And recall the words of the Teacher of the Gentiles who said:

"We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be repaid in his body for that which he has done, whether it be good or evil."

And again he said:

"With fear and trembling, your lives..."