How often have we said something for the sake of having something to say, only to have it backfire? How often to we invoke the anger or pain of another, not because of what we said, but because of how we said it? Ever wish that you could take back something that you spoke to another out or anger, frustration or sarcasm?
Words are powerful. Words have an effect. Words can heal and raise up. Words can injure and tear down.
May God give us the grace and the wisdom to speak simply, directly, and justly with one another.
"Mere silence is not wisdom, for
wisdom consists of knowing when and how to speak,
and when and where to keep silent."
(S XX 2)
"Let your speech be gentle,
frank, sincere, straightforward,
candid and faithful."
(In III 30)
"We often show more disdain by
sharing what's on our mind
than by the expression on our face."
(LW I 3)
"If we say less than we should
it is easy to add,
but having said too much
it is hard to take it back."
(LW IV 3)
"Be brief when you cannot be good."
(LR IV 33)
"Take it as a certain sign that your charity is not genuine
if your words, no matter how true,
are not charitable."
"One kind word wins more willing service
than a hundred harsh orders
or stern reproofs."
(S VII 9)
"It takes more oil than vinegar
to make a good salad."
(S II 13)
"It often happens in the sittings of parliament
that the ushers crying out
"silence" make more noise
than those they command to be silent."
(In III 8)
"One can catch more flies with
a spoonful of honey
than with a hundred barrels
of vinegar."
(S II 13)
"The observations of a parent
given gently and affectionately have
much more power to correct a
child than those which are given
angrily and wrathfully."
(In III 8)
"Correction is naturally bitter,
but when mixed with the sugar of loving
kindness, and warmed by the fire of charity,
it becomes more acceptable, gracious
and even cordial."
(S II 13)
|
