I am now thirty years praying daily that my Lord Jesus may preserve me from saying an idle word, and yet I am always relapsing.’ St. Sisoes

‘No passion is worse than an uncontrolled tongue, because it is the mother of all the passions.’ St. Agathon

‘If the soul keeps far away from all discourse in words, from all disorder and human disturbance, the Spirit of God will come in to her and she who was barren will be fruitful.’ St. Poemen

‘Only spiritual conversation is beneficial; it is better to preserve stillness than to indulge in any other kind.’ St. Thalassios the Libyan

Whether we think, speak or act in a good or an evil manner depends upon whether we cleave inwardly to virtue or to vice.’ St. Thalassios the Libyan

‘It is surprising that most Christians look upon decorum and politeness as merely human and worldly qualities and do not think of raising their minds to any higher views by considering them as virtues that have reference to God, to their neighbor, and to themselves. This illustrates very well how little true Christianity is found in the world and how few among those who live in the world are guided by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Still, it is this Spirit alone which ought to inspire all our actions, making them holy and agreeable to God.’ St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle

‘Beware of much speaking, for it banishes from the soul the holy thoughts and recollection with God.’ St. Dorotheus

‘Blessed the one who loves good and fair words and hates base and destructive speech, because he will not become a prisoner of the Evil One.’ St. Ephrem of Syria

‘Let it be your care always to speak well of all. Speak of others as you would wish to be spoken of by others. With regard to the absent, observe the excellent rule of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi: “Never to utter in their absence what you would not say in their presence.”‘ St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

‘Oh! how frightful the account which tale-bearers must render to God! The sowers of discord are objects of abomination in his sight. Six things there are that the Lord hateth, and the seventh his soul detesteth. The seventh is the man that soweth discord among brethren!’ St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

‘Talkativeness is the throne of vainglory, on which it loves to show itself and make a display. talkativeness is a sign of ignorance, a door to slander, an inducement to jesting, a servant of falsehood, the ruin of compunction, a creator and summoner of despondency, a precursor of sleep, the dissipation of recollection, the abolition of watchfulness, the cooling of ardour, the darkening of prayer.’ St. John Climacus

‘You must abstain from certain jests and jocose remarks on the real and known defects of others; for such jokes offend the persons to whom they are applied.’ St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

‘If you love God heartily, my child, you will often speak of Him among your relations, household and familiar friends, and that because “the mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.” . . . we are told that when St. Francis uttered the Name of the Lord, he seemed to feel the sweetness lingering on his lips, and could not let it go. But always remember, when you speak of God, that He is God; and speak reverently and with devotion, – not affectedly or as if you were preaching, but with a spirit of meekness, love, and humility; dropping honey from your lips (like the Bride in the Canticles) in devout and pious words, as you speak to one or another around, in your secret heart the while asking God to let this soft heavenly dew sink into their minds as they hearken. And remember very specially always to fulfill this angelic task meekly and lovingly. . . It is wonderful how attractive a gentle, pleasant manner is, and how much it wins hearts.’ St Francis de Sales