If a man fasts either through vanity or thinking that he is achieving something specifically virtuous, he fasts foolishly and later begins to criticize his brother, considering himself something great. Thus not only does it prove that while he put down one stone he took away two, but he is in danger of bringing down the whole wall through his condemnation of his brother. A man who fasts wisely does not wish to be praised for his fast. He thinks that through abstinence he will win chastity and thereby will come to humility, as the fathers say, "The way to humility is bodily labors, performed intelligently," and so on. Such a man proves himself a skilful builder, able to build his house solidly. --Abba Dorotheus
