Of avoiding unnecessary talking
Chapter 10 AvoroiNG discussion
Run here or there, you will find no rest but in humble subjection under the rule of a superior.
Many a man has conceived the notion that he would be better somewhere else, and has been deluded by it.
2. Everyone likes to have his own way, and leans most to those that agree with him.
But if God be amongst us, we must needs sometimes give up our own opinion for the blessing of peace.
Who is so wise that he can fully know all things?
Be not over-confident therefore in your own opinions, but be ready also with pleasure to hear those of others.
Although your opinion be right, yet if for God's sake you abandon it and follow another man's you will profit the more.
3. For I have often heard that it is safer to hear and take advice than to give it.
It may well happen also that each one's opinion is good.
But to be unwilling to acquiesce in the opinion of others, when reason or occasion requires it, is a sign of pride and obstinacy.
CHAPTER 10
OF AVOIDING UNNECESSARY TALKING
Avoid the concourse of men as much as you can; for the discussion of worldly affairs is very bad for the soul, even though they be discussed with a good intention. For we are quickly defiled and enslaved by vanity.
I wish I had often held my peace and had not been in the company of men.
are we so fond of talking and of gossiping with one another, though we seldom return to silence without some wound to conscience?
The reason why we are so fond of talking is that we seek consolation from one another by much chattering together, and wish to ease our hearts that are wearied with distracting thoughts.
And we are very fond of talking and thinking of those things which we best love or desire, or those which we feel to be against us.
But, alas! it is often vainly and to no purpose; for this outward consolation greatly damages inward and divine consolation.