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Idle Talk
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.
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