“Lord, give me prudence in dealing with my neighbor; keep me from unguarded speech. Let me not be moved by every word spoken, but grant that I may know how to hold my peace and speak only what is profitable. Make me faithful and sincere in all my words, and let my tongue be free from deceit. Strengthen me to endure the words of others with patience, and to answer with humility when I must speak.”
—Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471), De Imitatione Christi, Book I, ch. 20.
Source: Thomas à Kempis, De Imitatione Christi, trans. J. F. Clarke (London: Burns & Oates, 1881), 27.
Reflection: Where do I most need God’s help to restrain my speech, and where do I need courage to speak with sincerity?