WISE FRANCISCAN ADVISE:


 “The sin of detraction is the impediment to the very source of piety and grace; it is abominable in the sight of God, because the detractor feeds on the blood of the souls which he has murdered with the sword of his tongue.”

The malice of the detractor is far greater than that of the thief, because the law of Christ, which is fulfilled by showing mercy, commands us to desire more ardently the salvation of the soul than the safety of the body.”

 “The tongue is the instrument of life and death to man, not on account of the food it takes, but on account of the words it utters.”
St. Francis of Assisi

 “Detraction is the poison of conversation. Never let any one who is given to this fault meet with any applause or approbation from you. On the contrary, do what you can to justify your neighbor or else show your displeasure by a significant silence, or by turning the conversation, where this is practicable.”
St. Leonard of Port Maurice


 “Use your ears oftener than your tongue. One often repents of having spoken, and scarcely ever of having been silent.”  
 St. Anthony of Padua