¹ Let there be humility and solitude in the place where the chief dwelling is, unless there is a purpose for joining the community in its assembly.

² Be constantly naked to the world for the sake of Christ and His gospel.

³ Whatever little or great thing is provided from anything — whether clothing, food, or drink — let it be by the decree of elders and their counsel, for nothing is fitting for a devout person to take without the consent of their spiritual brethren.

⁴ Let there be many cells with a single door in common.

⁵ A devout assembly is where God is worshipped and His will is fulfilled. They come together for psalms and hymns; they meditate on the commandments of God and the writings of Scripture.

⁶ However, if there are others who speak words of vanity or of the world, do not let them bring anything harmful to you, either to your healing or your soul’s peace. Instead, it is better to let true knowledge be preserved, so that you do not create enmity among friends or foes. Do not neglect them, but offer them blessings immediately if they deserve them.

⁷ Let a servant of God who is devout and without worldly speech occupy himself with prayer and labor, striving to be balanced in all things as is fitting. Give permission to no other customs than what is proper for a devout life.

⁸ A mind ready for the witness of martyrdom.

⁹ A steadfast and faithful mind for enduring martyrdom patiently.

¹⁰ Forgiveness from the heart to every single person.

¹¹ Pray constantly for the people who live with you.

¹² Let there be a spirit of mourning, as if you were a faithful close friend mourning each faithful dead person.

¹³ Consider the care of souls as your greatest concern.

¹⁴ Let common meals be shared from one time to another, under the oversight of no one else but those appointed for this.

¹⁵ There are three benefits in the day: prayer, manual labor, and study.

¹⁶ Let the labor be divided into three parts: one for personal benefit, one for the benefit of others in need, especially those who are in charge, another for sharing with your brethren, and the third for serving your community — whether by teaching, writing, composing poetry, or doing any other good work, so that there is no idleness. As the Lord says, “You shall not appear before Me empty-handed.”

¹⁷ Let everything be done in proper order, for no one will be crowned unless they compete lawfully.

¹⁸ Give alms in secret before everything else.

¹⁹ Do not take food without working for it, lest it become a sin.

²⁰ Do not sleep to excess, as it would be inappropriate for you.

²¹ Do not speak unless it is for a purpose.

²² Whatever surplus you may have of food or clothing, after your own needs are met, give it freely to your brethren in need or to the poor.

²³ Love God with all your heart and with all your strength.

²⁴ Love your neighbor as yourself.

²⁵ Abide in the commandments of God through all times.

²⁶ Pray with such devotion that your tears flow.

²⁷ Or work in useful labor until your tears come.

²⁸ Or labor in useful tasks, or in acts of prostration, until sweat pours from you as often as tears might flow.