he desired me to keep, but presently betrayeth both me and himself.
From such indiscreet persons protect me, O Lord, that I neither fall into their hands, nor ever commit such things myself.
Grant me to observe truth and constancy in my words, and remove far from me a crafty tongue.
What I am unwilling to suffer in others, I ought by all means to avoid myself.
5. O how good is it, and how it tendeth to peace, to be silent about other men, and not to believe readily all that is said, nor eagerly to repeat reports.
How good it is to lay one's self open to few, and always to be seeking after Thee Who art the searcher of the heart.
Nor to be carried about with every wind of words, but to desire that all things, both within and without, be accomplished according to the pleasure of Thy will.
How safe is it, for the keeping of heavenly grace, to avoid appearances, and not to seek those things that seem to cause admiration abroad, but to follow with all diligence the things which bring amendment of life and godliness.
6. To how many hath virtue itself been hurtful when over hastily commended!
How profitable hath grace been when preserved in silence in this frail life, which truly is temptation and warfare!
