When You Talk Too Much

By Marc Massery

Turn to any page of St. Faustina's Diary, and you'll find spiritual gems. Like this one:

God does not give himself to a chattering soul, which, like a drone in a beehive, buzzes around but gathers no honey. A talkative soul is empty inside — it lacks intimacy with God. (118)

Do you talk too much?

Just 25 years ago, hardly anyone had their own cell phone. Today, it’s not uncommon for even children to carry around their own devices. Our culture, perhaps more than any in the past, talks a lot. Today, there are so many ways to stay in touch with one another that it can be hard to make time for silence. If we’re not chatting on the phone with someone, we’re either communicating over social media, by text, or by some other form of messaging.

When we are constantly looking to escape silence, we run the risk of blocking ourselves off from hearing the voice of God. Furthermore, when we’re constantly filling our time with noisiness and chatting, we’re more likely to say something we ought not. As Jesus says in Scripture, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak" (Mt 12:36). 

If you’re like me, it’s so easy to give in to gossip! It’s tempting to want to talk badly about other people or to give in to pessimistic complaining. But all these things are uncharitable and ultimately bring everyone down. 

So, if you want to have an intimate relationship with the Lord, you need to be careful about what and how much you say. Is what you’re about to say charitable? Would Jesus say it? If not, you should refrain. When you cultivate a love for silence, you’ll be more able to hear the voice of God in your hearts and fulfill His will on earth.  

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