Catholic Hermit: Some Maxims of St. John of the Cross

A friend shared this selection of some maxims written by St. John of the Cross.  I find it good to post following my considerations of the good of having a sense of humor.  These maxims are serious--yet we notice they are devoid of pride.  They are at a spiritual level in which pride does not enter; the very writing of them brings out the succinct nature of how something of import need not be erudite, complex, prideful.

I dare say if I could learn to master just a few of these wisdoms in whatever time on earth I have remaining, I'd be a far better person.  And within the silent listening to hear God's will, or to be a person of few words (of which some words can bring levity to too much weightiness), the soul can be en-lightened.

When reviewing this selection from The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, I pray the Lord inspires within me ways in which humor can be the warp interwove with the woof, beautifying the fabric of such wisdom.

The Father spoke one Word, which was his Son, and this Word he always speaks in eternal silence, and in silence must it be heard by the soul.

Speak little and do not meddle in matters about which you are not asked.

Do not complain about anyone, nor ask for anything; and if it is necessary for you to ask, let it be with few words.

Do not contradict; in no manner speak words that are not pure.

Let your speech be such that no one may be offended, and let it concern things which would not cause you regret were all to know of them.

Keep spiritually tranquil in a loving attentiveness to God, and when it is necessary to speak, let it be with the same calm and peace.

Be silent concerning what God may have given you and recall that saying of the bride: “My secret for myself” (Is 24,16)...

To advance in virtue it is important that you be silent and act, since by talking we become distracted whereas in keeping silence and working we become recollected.

As soon as you have learnt from someone what is necessary to advance spiritually, you should not ask him to say anything further about it nor continue talking but set yourself to work earnestly and in silence, with zeal and humility, with charity and self-contempt.

Before anything else, it is necessary and fitting to serve God in the silencing of one's disordered habits, as of the tongue, so that nothing may be heard but words of love.