If the intention is unclean, the deed that follows from it will also be evil, even if it seems good.
~ St. Gregory the Dialogist, Conversations, 1.10
No one ever accomplishes good by means of evil, because they are themselves conquered by the evil. On the contrary, evil is corrected by good.
~ (St. Barsanuphius the Great, Instructions, 15)
For the good is not good if it is not rightly done. It is really good only if it is not done with the purpose of receiving some reward....
~ St. John of Damaskos - Philokalia volume II
Be attentive to your heart and watch your enemies, for they are cunning in their malice. In your heart be persuaded of this: it is impossible for a man to achieve good through evil means. That is why our Savior told us to be watchful, saying: 'Straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there are that find it' (Mt. 7:14).
~ St. Isaiah the Solitary (The Philokalia Vol. 1; Faber and Faber pg. 26):
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