The Discipline of Speech — True Words That Do Not Wound
The discipline of speech is this — words that unsettle no one, words that are truthful yet kind and beneficial, and the steady reading and repeating of good writings.
This verse hones the discipline of speech with startling precision — words must be (1) non-wounding, (2) truthful, (3) kind, and (4) beneficial.
Do I hurl words that wound, excusing them because they are 'true'?
📝Reflection
This verse hones the discipline of speech with startling precision — words must be (1) non-wounding, (2) truthful, (3) kind, and (4) beneficial. How hard to satisfy all four at once. I stab others with 'but it's true,' and blur the truth when guarding kindness. The old teacher says do not drop either truth or gentleness. The Buddha's right speech and Proverbs' 'a soft answer turns away wrath' overlap here. To speak the truth yet not wield it like a blade — this is the hardest discipline of a lifetime. For a word, once out, does not return.
🌱Apply It Today
When you must speak a truth today, first think of a way to say it 'true yet non-wounding' before you open your mouth.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
