The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
Book 1 -Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life
Chapter 10 Of the Danger of Superfluity of Words
Summary
We need to be careful with our words. Gossip hurts others. These are very true truths. Much of the remainder of the chapter had stoic overtones. Just as in chapter eight, I’d love for you to take a peak at it yourself and let me know what you think.
Here are my thoughts: God has given us friends to comfort us and refresh our spirit. It is important that our conversations be focused on God and good things. Here are some verses I found helpful.
Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
1 Tim. 6:17 “ Charge those who are rich in this world that they be not haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy”
Prov 25:25 “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”
James 3:3-6 “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”