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How important is silence? How can we practice the virtue of silence? What kind of exercises is helpful?

The greatest example of the virtue of silence is witnessed in the life of the holy Virgin Mary. Her narrative was most likely in response to specific questions that were asked of her. "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19).

Practicing the virtue of silence requires one to be aware of the purpose of his speech. We must first practice to silence inappropriate thoughts that are seeds of harmful words. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matthew 12:34,35). As social beings, too often our gatherings furnish the perfect environment for sins of the tongue. In a question posed by St. Macarius, St. Arsenius responded, "I have many times repented that I spoke, but that I held my peace I have never repented." At the end of a service, St. Macarius taught his brethren to "flee" from the mouth, and then left them immediately to sit alone.

Therefore, choose your words carefully, avoiding impulsive speech. Think before you speak, do not entertain tales in gossip, nor embellish or exaggerate your accounts, and be honest, direct, and concise. In addition, be mindful of your body language, gestures, and facial expressions which also add to your communication. "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36,37).