So what’s a talker to do? Thomas a’Kempis advises us to use our w
ords sparingly and carefully. Stay away from idle chatter and chatterboxes. We should not enter into conversations that are not worth much, or that seek gossip.
Thomas’ advice: “Watch and Pray”. Not only because it is from Christ, but because if you are praying, you aren’t talking…you are in conversation with God.
Speaking for myself, I have a tendency to quibble or fill silence with the noise of words. Praying affords an opportunity to be present to the Lord. And the Lord will help us in filling that “void,” with Himself.
Letting my “yes” be “yes” and “no” be “no” keeps things simple. Why always explain everything? This keeps words at a minimum. It’s an exercise of a new habit. Try it out and see what He does when you talk to Him through knee Mail!
Til next time….be Imitators of Christ!
tim
Book 1, Chapter 10: Avoiding a Superfluity of Words
1. Flee the tumult of others as much as you can; for talking of worldly 
affairs, regardless of your good intention, hinders the spiritual life.
This is because we are quickly defiled and ensnared with vanity. Oftentimes I wish I had been silent and not been in the company of others. But why are we so willing to talk and discourse with one another, since we seldom return to silence without prejudice to our conscience.
The reason why we are so willing to talk is, by talking with one another we seek comfort from one another; and we would gladly ease the heart, wearied by various worldly thoughts. And we are very willing to talk and think of those things that we most love and desire, or which we imagine are working against us.
2. But, alas! It is often in vain and to no purpose: for this outward comfort is a significant hindrance to interior and divine consolation. Therefore, we must each “watch and pray (Matt 26:41)” that our time may not pass away without fruit. If it is lawful and quick to speak, speak those things of God which may edify. A bad use or habit, and the neglect of our spiritual advancement, are a great cause of our keeping so little guard upon our mouth. But devout conversations concerning spiritual things help advance us toward spiritual progress, especially where those of the same mind and spirit are united together in God.