On silence. The rule of keeping silence is decreed to be diligently observed; for it is written: 'The cultivation of justice is silence and peace' (Isa. 32:17). And therefore, lest guilt be incurred through wordiness, it is necessary—save for things useful and necessary—to keep silent; for, according to Scripture, 'In much talking sin will not be lacking' (Prov. 10:19). And on this account the Savior says: 'By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned' (Matt. 12:37). Justly shall those be condemned who would not speak just things when they could, but rather chose, in garrulous wordiness, to speak things evil, unjust, impious, vain, injurious, uncertain, false, contentious, abusive, base, fabled, blasphemous, harsh, and crooked.
Therefore one must keep silent about these and such things, and monks must speak with caution and reason, lest either detractions or swollen contradictions break out into vicious loquacity.