If There Are Artisans in the Monastery
St. Benedict emphasizes the importance of humility, honesty, and God's glory in the lives of artisans within the monastery.
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.
Text
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).
Sermon Outline
- I. Artisans in the Monastery
- A. Practice their crafts with humility
- B. Obtain permission from the Abbot
- II. Humility in Craftsmanship
- A. Avoid conceit over skill
- B. Be taken from craft if conceited
- III. Honesty in Sales
- A. No fraud in sales
- B. Remember Ananias and Saphira
- IV. Pricing Goods
- A. Avoid avarice
- B. Sell goods cheaper than in the world
Key Quotes
“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.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“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).” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Practice humility in your craft or work, and avoid conceit over your skills.
- Be honest and transparent in your dealings, especially when it comes to sales and finances.
- Prioritize God's glory in all aspects of your life, including your work and finances.