Man is Like a Tree

Agatho was asked, "Which is more difficult, bodily discipline or guard over the inner self?"

He said, "Man is like a tree. His bodily discipline is like the leaves of a tree, his guard over the inner self is like the fruit. Scripture says that 'every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire' (Matthew 3:10). So, we ought to take every precaution about guarding the mind, because that is our fruit. Yet we need to be covered and beautiful with leaves, which is bodily discipline."

Agatho was wise in understanding, earnest in discipline, armed at all points, careful about keeping up his manual work, sparing in food and clothing.