Chapter 7: The value of humility (paragraph 16)
The ninth step of humility leads us to refrain from unnecessary speech and to guard our silence by not speaking until we are addressed. (From para. 16 of Ch. 7 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)
The meaning of unnecessary speech has come to include, for me, the wishing, chattering, complaining and repetitive monologue of my mind. What does it mean to me to move through my day with a respectful interior silence, and open attention, a listening to creation?
The process of creation involves a degree of uncertainty. By definition, we cannot create certainty. Speech involves creativity, so some of our speech may be desirable, and some may not. The mind is a major creation tool, so not listening to it, not necessarily acting on it, seems prudent. At all times, one can strive to "come from the right place" though. And, interior silence allows the mind and soul to focus intently, accurately and succinctly. My 2 cents. Dick Ward
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