Benedict's rule contains seventy-three chapters of varying length, and is comparable in size to the Gospel of Matthew. It is clear that Benedict based his Rule not only on his own experience but also on the writings of other monastic authors, especially a document known as the Rule of the Master.

In Benedict's Rule he establishes the hierarchy of the monastery, the arrangements regarding prayer and work, details concerning the food, drink and clothing of monks, correction and relations with the outside world. In all these regulations his aim is to give the strong something to strive after but at the same time not drive the weak away.

The most famous section of the Rule is Chapter 72: The Good Zeal of Monks. It is a summary statement of what Benedictine monastic life is all about.
This then, is the good zeal which monks must foster with fervent love. They should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another's weaknesses of body or behaviour, and earnestly competing in obedience to one another. No one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else. To their fellow monks they show the pure love of brothers; to God, loving fear; to their Abbot, unfeigned and humble love. Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.

Other links to the Rule of St Benedict