It is with our passions as it is with fire and water, they are good servants, but bad masters. Aesop
Temptations come on some people for the cleansing of previous sins, on other for the beautification of their current perfection, and on yet others, as preparation for things to come, except temptations, which are for the increase of a man's faith and virtue, as it was with Job. Maximus the Confessor
It is impossible for a man to be freed from the habit of sin before he hates it, just as it is impossible to receive forgiveness before confessing his trespasses. Ignatius of Antioch
Every bird sings as it is beaked. Dutch Proverb
The ear cannot hold as much water as it does news. Somali Proverb
A pearl is worthless as long as it is still in its shell. Hindi Proverb