Mirror of the Honesty of Life

burns, for nothing is more destructive than anger, nor is anything more useful to be believed than charity, nor is anything more precious to the tranquility of the mind. Because of this, not only the advantages of carnal and transitory things, but even of spiritual things, appear as if they should be scorned if they cannot be acquired or perfected otherwise.

¶ The seventh instruction is that you be silent and not a man of many words. Wherever you may be, whether speaking or responding, you should speak few and rational words, with a relaxed voice, a placid countenance, and disciplined manners. Let words come to the file a metaphor for refining one's speech, similar to polishing metal before they come to the tongue. You should love more to hear than to be heard, so that questioning opens your mouth rather than answering things not asked. Do not rely on your own prudence, nor trust in your own senses, and do not be wise in your own eyes. You should not seek things higher than you, nor should you have investigated things stronger than you. But show yourself discreet, modest, and ordered in all things, because nothing immoderate, unstable, confused, or disordered has ever pleased God. Upon the humble man, however, may the Spirit of the Lord rest in peace.

¶ The eighth and final instruction is that you should never be idle. For every idle man is in his desires original: "Nam in desideriis est omis ociofus". Therefore, love the reading of the scriptures, and you will not love the vices of the flesh, nor will your mind be vacant to various perturbations which, if they take root in your breast, will condemn you and lead you to the greatest ruin. Always