On Speech

Learn that no efforts, not the smallest—whether in right or wrong direction—can vanish from the world of causes.  E’en wasted smoke remains not traceless.  ‘A harsh word uttered in past lives is not destroyed, but ever comes again.’ The pepper plant will not give birth to roses, nor the sweet jessamine’s silver star to thorn or thistle turn.

Gentle speech which causes no anxiety, which is truthful and friendly, and diligence in the reading of the Scriptures, and said to be austerities of speech.

Speech comes only with knowledge. Attain to knowledge and you will attain to speech.