The prophet shows that, for the sake of silence, we are to abstain even from good talk. If this be so, how much more needful is it that we refrain from evil words, on account of the penalty of the sin!

Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.

Prayer ought to be short and pure, unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace.

Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.

The first degree of humility is prompt obedience.

Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father's advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience.

He should first show them in deeds rather than words all that is good and holy.