St. Ephraim the Syrian: On the distinction between monastic and worldly life.

If you, beloved brother, having renounced worldly life, have become a monk, be watchful, for the enemy has many wiles, and finding an opportunity, he will suggest the following to you: “Behold, you have renounced the world and possessions, but do not even the beasts find rest in their dens?” – But you, forbid the enemy, saying: “May the Lord crush you, O devil, for the man whom He created in His own image and likeness, you have likened to a mindless beast. Will you not cease to pervert the straight paths? Listen, then, to the distinction between the one life and the other. The one who desires to become a monk first renounces the world, renounces his own will, takes up his cross, and follows our Savior Christ. He does not quarrel, does not speak evil, does not swear oaths, does not dishonor, does not occupy his mind with false concepts of verbose and vain philosophy; he practices temperance, not luxury; all the Angels of God are his friends, and the devil his enemy. He does not oppress the farmer, does not offend the widow, does not rob the poor, does not prey on the orphan, does not act foolishly in pursuit of wealth. Being content with what is present, he does not concern himself with enlisting his sons in the military or marrying off his daughters, is not attached to entertainments, but is engaged in the work of his salvation, is not haughty but humble-minded, he is kind and modest; he sings psalms, not worldly songs, prays, weeps, and sheds tears within the inner sanctum of his house and soul, asking for the forgiveness of sins; praying, he also prays for the whole world; he does not attend vain spectacles but goes to holy men, instead of a royal court – to the desert; he avoids oaths and people who take pleasure in them; he extends his hands toward what is beneficial – to work, to the reading of the Divine Scriptures; he counts the security of his parents and himself in earthly matters as nothing; he contemplates the promises of the Savior, and his spirit is renewed in Him, and he drives away sorrow. Does bodily illness come? – He rejoices that the crown is near. Does despondency come? – He receives patience from the Lord. Does earthly loss come? – He brings to mind the day of his death, for all will remain here. Is he troubled by lust? – He thinks of the bitter torments. Has slander touched him? – He endures nobly, for the One Who justifies him is near. Is he subjected to offense and torments? – He contemplates the sufferings of the Savior. Does pride come? – He reflects that he must pass through fire. To those who serve the Lord righteously are given these gifts of grace and all that is fitting for the saints. And you, O devil, may the Lord bring to nought!” Yea, beloved, listen to the one who says: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7–8). Pray also for me, the wretched one, “for my iniquities have gone over my head” (Psalm 37:5), that the Good and Merciful Lord, the hope of the hopeless, may preserve and save us in His Kingdom and in His glory. To Him be glory, dominion, and power, and the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit unto the ages of ages! Amen.

Russian source: https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Efrem_Sirin/pouchitelnye-slova-k-egipetskim-monakham/#0_50