We are well over half-way through the 55 Maxims Fr. Thomas Hopko has shared with us. Fifty-five maxims of Christian Living, maxims to work towards on our path to salvation. I’ve quite enjoyed digging into them and I hope that you have as well.
Today, week 35…
Think and talk about things no more than necessary. We should speak only when it’s necessary to speak. In fact the Scripture says: “We should speak only when spoken to.” The Fathers say: “We often repent of idle talk but very seldom have to repent of maintaining silence. Sometimes we do, because we have to speak. But we should talk and think about things no more than absolutely necessary.
Fr. Thomas Hopko’s 55 Maxims of Christian Livin
I’ve done a little research on “talking too much” in scripture. The proverbs are full little sayings to inspire us.
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
Proverbs 10:19 NKJV
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace;
Proverbs 17:28 NKJV
When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
A fool has no delight in understanding,
Proverbs 18:2 NKJV
But in expressing his own heart.
I could go on and on quoting proverbs and other scripture with regards to talking too much. Open Bible Info is a great source to find scripture on any topic. To see the long list of verses related to “talking too much” go here.
One of my favorites is Psalm 141:3 (140:3 Septuagint). This entire chapter is used in evening prayers (Vespers) but also in our Presanctified Liturgy during Great Lent where you hear it in the hymn “Let My Prayer Arise”. I see this Psalm as a prayer.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Psalm 140/141:3
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
This Psalm would make a great “pivot prayer”. More on that term later. For now here is my prayer, that fits nicely with this weeks maxim, I will try to pray it often this week.
Kindler of Joy! 