9 July 2020
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.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation
of Christ, p15
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