Let your lips always utter blessings, and you will never be reviled; for revilement begets revilement, and blessing begets blessing.¹

It is self-evident that one of the world's greatest problems is our inability to hold our tongues. We are quick to opine on whatever crosses our minds, rarely pausing to meditate upon matters trivial or great.

I often regret speaking too hastily and continually wonder why I fail to embrace the wisdom of silence. This is most evident first in my marriage, and second in my friendships. If I must speak, let it be a blessing rather than a revilement.

1. Isaac the Syrian, The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian (Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 2020), 145.