As cellarer of the monastery let there be chosen from the community one who is wise, of mature character, sober, not a great eater, not haughty, not excitable, not offensive, not slow, not wasteful, but a God-fearing man who may be like a father to the whole community. Let him have charge of everything. He shall do nothing without the Abbot's orders, but keep to his instructions. Let him not vex the brethren. If any brother happens to make some unreasonable demand of him, instead of vexing the brother with a contemptuous refusal he should humbly give the reason for denying the improper request. Let him keep quard over his own soul, mindful always of the Apostle's saying that "he who has ministered well will acquire for himself a good standing" (1 Tim. 3:13). Let him take the greatest care of the sick, of children, of guests and of the poor, knowing without doubt that he will have to render an account for all these on the Day of Judgment. Let him regard all the utensils of the monastery and its whole property as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar. Let him not think that he may neglect anything. He should be neither a miser nor a prodigal and squanderer of the monastery's substance, but should do all things with measure and in accordance with the Abbot's instructions.

After several days of disciplining, excommunicating, and even beating, it is reassuring to read Benedict's words, "If any brother happens to make some unreasonable demand of him, instead of vexing the brother with a contemptuous refusal he should humbly give the reason for denying the improper request."

Parents and other authorities should welcome the need to explain. As the father of young children I would silently test my explanation before saying no. I was sometimes surprised to find my own fear rather than a good reason. In such cases I said yes or nothing.

As both employee and employer I valued the reasons why. As an employee the reasons taught me a great deal. As an employer the reasons were another tool in encouraging the whole organization to work together and walk together toward the same goal.

In explaining our reasons we might also learn from the admonition to be neither a miser or prodigal. Our reasons should be clear and concise. The longer it takes to explain the reason, the more likely the reason stated has grown to cover what is unstated.

To explain one's fear or uncertainty and to seek the advice of children and those under your authority can be a wise and courageous choice.