========================================================================
  IF THERE ARE ARTISANS IN THE MONASTERY
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
========================================================================

Summary: St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of humility, honesty,
and God's glory in the lives of artisans within the monastery.

Topics: "Christian Humility", "Stewardship"
Scripture References: Proverbs 11:1, Acts 5:1, Philippians 2:3, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 4:11

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility and
permission in practicing crafts in the monastery. He warns against
becoming conceited over one's skills and the temptation to think one is
benefiting the monastery. Craftsmen are reminded not to engage in fraud,
with a reference to the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11.
St. Benedict encourages fair pricing without succumbing to greed, aiming
to glorify God in all transactions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If there are artisans in the monastery,

let them practice their crafts with all humility,

provided the Abbot has given permission.

But if any one of them becomes conceited

over his skill in his craft,

because he seems to be conferring a benefit on the monastery,

let him be taken from his craft

and no longer exercise it unless,

after he has humbled himself,

the Abbot again gives him permission.

If any of the work of the craftsmen is to be sold,

those responsible for the sale

must not dare to practice any fraud.

Let them always remember Ananias and Saphira,

who incurred bodily death (Acts 5:1-11),

lest they and all who perpetrate fraud

in monastery affairs

suffer spiritual death.

And in the prices let not the sin of avarice creep in,

but let the goods always be sold a little cheaper

than they can be sold by people in the world,

"that in all things God may be glorified" (1 Peter 4:11).

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/if-there-are-artisans-in-the-monastery/
========================================================================