Let us then become lowly, that we may be high. For most utterly doth arrogance abase. ... Abraham saith, "I am dust and ashes," and prevailed over countless barbarians, and having fallen into the midst of Egyptians, returned, bearing a trophy more glorious than the former, and, cleaving to this virtue, grew ever more high.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century