CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SIX
On Silence
LET US do what the Prophet says: “I said, I will take heed of my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I have set a guard to my mouth, I was dumb, and was humbled, and kept silence even from good things.” (Ps. 38:2–3; 39:2–3, Vulg.). Here the prophet shows that, if at times we ought to refrain from good words for the sake of silence, how much more ought we to abstain from evil words on account of the punishment due to sin.
Therefore, because of the importance of silence, let permission to speak be seldom granted to perfect disciples even for discourse which is good and holy and aimed at edification, for it is written: “In much speaking thou shalt not escape sin.” (Prov. 10:19). And elsewhere: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Prov. 18:21). For it belongs to the master to speak and to teach; after all, it is appropriate for the disciple to be silent and to listen. If, therefore, anything must be asked of the superior, let it be asked with all humility and respectful submission. But coarse jests, and words that are pointless or that are only a prompt for laughter, we condemn in every situation by a permanent ban; nor do we do permit the disciple to open his lips for such conversation.