It is one among the pious and valuable maxims, which are ascribed to Francis de Sales; "A judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without charity." The very undertaking to instruct or censure others, implies an assumption of intellectual or moral superiority. It cannot be expected, therefore, that the attempt will be well received, unless it is tempered with a heavenly spirit. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not CHARITY, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."From "Religious Maxims" of T.C. Upham
_________________R. Evan Gombach
I meant to post under "General Topics" and somehow it wound up here. Oops.
"A judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without charity."
I think Francis de Sales' statement still runs true even in that event, if we look to the well-being of our fellow more than ourselves, but I think his point is that "truth" apart from "love" does more damage than good, always, and in that case, to keep silent is always better for the other person. The Holy Spirit will straighten out our thought life without us having to do damage to others with words, if we let Him.I do understand your point, though, and the importance of our taking every thought captive and submit them to Christ Jesus.
AMEN, SonsofLevi!!!Again I say, "AMEN"!!!My, how I've had to learn this the HARD WAY. Yet, THANK YOU LORD JESUS, for ever so gently branding this truth into my heart, which works its way to my speech.Oh, how I Love to see the Truth of God reign! Thank you again, SonsofLevi, for reminding us of this precious truth! You spoke straight into my spirit. Thank You!Love-in-Christ,KP
Amen, KP, better to learn the hard way than go the hard way and not learn. Perhaps we are as rough edged stones, as the Lord rolls us along, the rough sides hit and we feel it, but the edges wear away to a smooth stone and the rolling along hurts less.Yours in the Beloved,Rich
