Rarely speak of your neighbour and of his affairs, unless, indeed, an opportunity offers of saying something in his favour.
Be ready to speak of God, and especially of His Love and Goodness, but with guardedness, lest you fall into some error concerning Him; and rather delight to hear others speak of Him, treasuring up their words in your inmost heart.
Let the sound of men's words strike only upon your ear, and let your heart be lifted up to God; and, if you must listen to what they say in order to know how to reply to them, still forget not to raise your eyes thoughtfully towards Heaven, where God dwells, and contemplate His loftiness, as He deigns to regard your vileness.
Whatever comes into your mind for you to speak, ponder over it well before you utter it, for you will discover that much which you were going to say had better remain unspoken. Indeed I go further, and assure you, that not a few of those things, which you have after consideration spoken, would have been better if they had been consigned to silence; and the truth of this you will perceive, if, when the occasion for speaking is past, you reflect upon what you have said.
Silence, beloved, is a safe stronghold in the spiritual battle, and a sure pledge of victory.
Silence is the friend of him who distrusts self
