Posted on 09/13/2007 9:20:18 AM PDT by Salvation
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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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
BY
THOMAS KEMPIS
A very powerful spiritual guidance for the soul who seeks to imitate Jesus Christ.
Learn from me, because I am meek and humble of heart. Mat. 11:29
**But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation.**
Lord, teach me to be humble and not talk vaily like this.
Great message. Thanks for posting.
**When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.**
Yes, it is a wonderful message.
Rats!! There goes 75% of my time on FR. Now I’ll have to work. Thanks!!
LOl|! I thought about that too.
“Give no ear to the slanderer’s talk nor let your talk run on in the fault-finder’s hearing, by readily speaking and listening to things against your neighbor; otherwise you will fall from divine charity and be found a foreigner to eternal life.” +Maximus the Confessor
Great wisdom there.
Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly. When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.
I miss that chance at least ten times a day.
FreeRep is new to me and I’m enjoying it. Imagine my surprise to find a Kempis a regular contributor!!
Thanks for posting this sage admonishon. We all need it.
Proverbs 14:7-8--Leave the presence of a fool, Or you will not discern words of knowledge. The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 18:2--A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.
I think he had some forms of FReeping in mind! ; )
Great words from Maximus the Confessor.
**I miss that chance at least ten times a day,**
Something we can all work on. I know I like to be recognized and or edified. I think others do too. As long as it is sincere.
**Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? **
I have often logged off of Free Republic and wondered the same thing.
Yes, Kempis says these things so succinctly.
**Proverbs 14:7-8—Leave the presence of a fool,**
I know a priest who will suddenly go quiet when someone gossips. He it continues, he just walks away from the conversation.
Wise words to have on the front of your computer.
Its hard, and ultimately pointless, seeing if one of the Fathers says something “better” than Thomas a Kempis. The reason I am posting these various snips from some of the Eastern Fathers is to demonstrate the precise similarity in spiritual instruction between what was being taught in the East and the West in earlier times in the Church.
Thanks for that. I thought your posts were extremely complimentary to the threads.
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