The ninth degree of humility is that a monk restrain his tongue and keep silence, not speaking until he is questioned. For the Scripture shows that "in much speaking there is no escape from sin" (Prov. 10:19) and that "the talkative man is not stable on the earth" (Ps. 139:12).

Is there a difference between chatting and speaking? Between gossiping and discourse?

Benedict uses loquator - which we have kept as loquacious - rather than the more basic dico or narro. Is this speaking which satisfies the speaker? Is this speaking by which the speaker asserts, rather than speaking that seeks?

There is value in silence. Even the most elevated discussion can simply be distracting. But it is also through speaking - and listening - that we may most effectively reach out to one another.