Foolish Vanity
"You allege that you never invite others to sin. You did not by your
tongue, but you have done it by your dress and deportment more
effectively than you could by your voice. When you have made another to
sin in his heart, how can you be innocent? You sharpened and drew the
sword. You gave the thrust by which the soul is wounded. Tell me whom
does the world condemn? Whom do judges punish? Those who drink the
poison, or those who prepare and give the fatal draught? You mingled the
execrable cup; you administered the potion of death. You are so much
more criminal than poisoners, as the death which you cause is the more
terrible; for you murder not the body, but the soul. Nor do you do this
to enemies: not compelled by necessity nor provoked by any injury; but
out of a foolish vanity and pride. You sport yourselves in the ruin of
the souls of others, and make their spiritual death your pastime."
--St. John Chrysostom on Immodest Women
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