In praise of silence

Hi,

"One should always practice great silence. He should speak only words of wisdom or words he needs for the sake of his existence. They said that Rav, student of Rabbeinu haKadosh, never spoke empty speech – and this is the speech of most people… Thus the sages instructed (Pirkei Avot 1:17), 'One who increases words introduces sin,' and 'I have found nothing better for a body than silence.'… (Avot d'Rabbi Natan I 22)"

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Deiot 2:4)

Have a good day,

Mordechai

Soft ears

Hi,

"One should not make empty speech available to his ears; they are the most easily singed part of the body." [This plays on their physical texture to teach a lesson.]

(Talmud, Ketuvot 5b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Chatter

Hi,

On using one's power of speech for mundanities:

"Rava said: One who speaks mundane speech violated a positive commandment, as it is written, 'ודברת בם You shall speak about them [words of Torah]' - about them, and not about other things."

(Talmud, Yoma 19b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai