The Second Mandate, on Simplicity

1 He said to me: “Keep simplicity and be innocent, and you will be like little children, who do not know the wickedness that destroys the life of people. 2 First of all, do not speak evil of anyone, nor take pleasure in listening to a slanderer. Otherwise you who listen are also responsible for the sin of the one who speaks evil, if you believe the slander you hear; for in believing it, you yourself will have resentment toward your brother or sister. So then you become responsible for the sin of the one who speaks evil. 3 Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace, but always having its home among divisions. So avoid it, and you will succeed at all times with everyone. 4 But clothe yourself in reverence, where there is no evil stumbling-block, but all things are smooth and joyful. Do good works, and from your labors, which God gives you, give freely to all who are in need, not asking to whom you should give or not give. Give to everyone; for God wants everyone to have a share in His own gifts.⁠a 5 Those who receive will give an account to God of why they received it, and for what purpose; for those who receive because they are in distress will not be judged, but those who receive under false pretenses will pay the penalty. 6 The one who gives is innocent; for they received this service from the Lord to perform, and have carried it out in sincerity, making no distinction to whom to give or not to give. So this service, performed sincerely, is glorious in God’s sight. Whoever serves sincerely in this way will live for God. 7 Therefore keep this commandment, as I have told you, so that your own repentance and that of your household may be found to be sincere, and your heart pure and undefiled.”