The expression of the title of this piece is often used to describe a person or situation wherein something was said that was inappropriate at the time, or when something is said that is unwise or impudent.
I suppose you could make a logical argument that the expression describes a subset of the conditions of what happens when people gossip. The definition of gossip is "saying something in a hurtful or spiteful manner" about another person.
As Orthodox Christians, we're taught to guard the lips. 1Pet 3:10 teaches, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile."
St. John Climacus says, "He who has become aware of his sins has controlled his tongue, but a talkative person has not yet come to know himself as he should." In short, "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil." (Prov 15:28) We are to control what we say, how we say it, so that our words edify, lift up our brothers and sisters. Our words should not be offered in a prideful way ("YOU need to listen to MY opinion..."), but ONLY when those words instruct, soothe, bring the love of Christ as a salve to any discouse.
To end, within the life of St. Mary of Egypt, the blessed saint asks St. Zosimas 'How are the people, the rulers, the church?' It is a righteous question from a saint who has already shown herself to be clairvoyant. St. Zosimas could have spoken to her about the troubles in the church and in the world. The emperor and his wife were parties to multiple scandals, both publicly and within the Church. But St. Zosimas didn't allow the conversation to go there. What would have been the benefit? Instead, he replied to her question, "By your prayers, all are at peace." What a beautiful and instructive answer, teaching all of us the benefit of "speaking IN turn."
FrB
No comments:
Post a Comment