Alphabetarius

A One cannot fast for many days B such that one does not constantly C feed upon the word of God. D Because one cannot be cured by fasting E if one is not redeemed by other wholesome deeds. F Fasting is good, but it is better G to give to others from the context of "Alia" meaning other things/deeds if fasting alone does not suffice. H If fasting does not suffice, I then doing good to others is a twofold K good when done with fasting. L Such is fasting without charity, M like a lamp without oil. N Just as a lamp which, without oil, O is lit, may smoke but cannot P provide light, so too is fasting without Q other deeds; it adorns the flesh, indeed, but R lacking the lamp of deeds, it does not illuminate. S Fasting should be moderate, T lest it weaken the stomach too much, V and those who are temperate in their food X find it useful for the soul. Y A fat belly does not produce Z a sharp mind. a A full stomach easily argues about b fasting, c while feeling more for its stomach than d for its mind. e Impose upon yourself a fast f that you can endure. g It is much better to consume a little h daily than rarely and excessively. i That rain is best which does not k stand, but descends into the earth immediately, l and is less damaging in the fields m than that which overturns everything. n Wind and vegetables cause inflation o of those whose minds are original: "delmadi" - unclear reading, likely referring to "dullness" or "slackness" p idle.

A And the roots which they thus nourished B by giving to the young so that their C intensity of spirit towards the body D should be tempered with cooler meals. E Do not seek virtue through modest appetite; F all run in the middle of the journey. G While they alone abstain from meat, H and burden the stomach with vegetables, I it inflames the fruit referring to passions/lusts and disturbs L the genital members, more than digesting M wind-inducing foods. N Sparse food and a stomach that is always O hungry is preferred over fasting. P A rare performance of duty Q makes one congregation, always be thin and R humble. S If you abstain from food and drink, T yet your tongue resonates with ungrateful praises V or blasphemies, X this is sound sustenance, Y and perhaps even a medicine. Z One may say: "In other things I cannot a fast, I cannot abstain from meat, I cannot give b all my goods to the poor," and then you c say: "What if we do these things?" d What if you say: "I cannot e love, I cannot be indulgent to those sinning f against me?" Then we are not g eating for you. h A pious man did not want to abstain i when he could; it is a swelling of pride not to be able k when one wishes. l Whoever abstains from carnal foods m and yet does not desist from doing evil, n imitates the demons, who do not eat food, o yet are always full of wickedness.