AVOIDING IDLE TALK
SHUN the gossip of men as
much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though
sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared
and captivated by vanity.
Many a time I wish that I
had held my peace and had not associated with men. Why, indeed, do we
converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a
troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one
another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse
thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very
much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk
vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars
inward and divine consolation.
Therefore we must watch
and pray lest time pass idly.
When the right and
opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.
Bad habits and
indifference to spiritual progress do much to remove the guard from
the tongue. Devout conversation on spiritual matters, on the contrary,
is a great aid to spiritual progress, especially when persons of the
same mind and spirit associate together in God. |
Of the danger of superfluity of words
Avoid as far as thou canst the
tumult of men; for talk concerning worldly things, though it be
innocently undertaken, is a hindrance, so quickly are we led captive
and defiled by vanity. Many a time I wish that I had held my peace,
and had not gone amongst men. But why do we talk and gossip so
continually, seeing that we so rarely resume our silence without some
hurt done to our conscience? We like talking so much because we hope
by our conversations to gain some mutual comfort, and because we seek
to refresh our wearied spirits by variety of thoughts. And we very
willingly talk and think of those things which we love or desire, or
else of those which we most dislike.
2. But alas! it is often to no
purpose and in vain. For this outward consolation is no small
hindrance to the inner comfort which cometh from God. Therefore must
we watch and pray that time pass not idly away. If it be right and
desirable for thee to speak, speak things which are to edification.
Evil custom and neglect of our real profit tend much to make us
heedless of watching over our lips. Nevertheless, devout conversation
on spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress, most
of all where those of kindred mind and spirit find their ground of
fellowship in God. |