The fifth degree of humility is that he humbly confess and conceal not from his abbot any evil thoughts that enter his heart, and any secret sins he has committed. To this does Scripture exhort us, saying: Make known thy way unto the Lord and hope in him.¹ And again: Confess to the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endureth for ever.² And further: I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said: I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord, and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.³

¹Ps xxxvi, 5
²Ps cv, 1
³Ps xxxi,5