Silence

It is better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill that vow.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools; for they do not know how to keep from doing evil. Never be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be quick to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven, and you upon earth; therefore let your words be few. For dreams come with many cares, and a fool’s voice with many words. When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake; why should God be angry at your words, and destroy the work of your hands? With many dreams come vanities and a multitude of words; but fear God. - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Today's reading from Ecclesiastes offers us good advice.  Listen more and speak less.

Our mouths can get us in trouble, especially when we boast or make commitments we cannot fulfill.  I am sure we all know someone, and maybe perhaps we have occasionally been this person, who says he is going to do something and then fails to do it.  It would have been better had he said I can't, or I don't know how.

We can also do all sorts of good works and screw things up with our words.  Knowing when not to speak is a virtue.

My grandfather used to tell me that he learned more about people by being a good listener than by asking questions.  People like to talk, he would say.  He knew what he was talking about.  He had been a barber.

I think we are in need of some silence these days.  There is too much talk, too much chatter.  It might be a good time to just sit quietly and pray or just meditate.

So, why not start now?

More to come...