BOOK1-TABLE OF CONTENTS:
chapter1-imitating-christ-and-despising
chapter2-having-a-humble-opinion-of-self
chapter3-the-doctrine-of-truth
chapter4-prudence-in-action
chapter5-reading-the-holy-scripture
chapter6-unbridled-affections
chapter7-avoiding-false-hope-and-pride
chapter8-shunning-over-familiarity
chapter9-obedience-and-subjection
chapter10-avoiding-idle-talk
chapter11-acquiring-peace-and-zeal-for-perfection
chapter12-the-value-of-adversity
chapter13-resisting-temptation
chapter14-avoiding-rash-judgment
chapter15-works-done-in-charity
chapter16-bearing-with-the-faults-of-others
chapter17-monastic-life
chapter18-the-example-set-us-by-the-holy-fathers
chapter19-the-practices-of-a-good-religious
chapter20-the-love-of-solitude-and-silence
chapter21-sorrow-of-heart
chapter22-thoughts-on-the-misery-of-man
chapter23-thoughts-on-death
chapter24-judgment-and-the-punishment-of-sin
chapter25-zeal-in-amending-our-lives
The Tenth Chapter
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.
