1. Never speak anything for a truth which you know to be—or think might be—false. Lying is a great sin against God who gave us a tongue to speak the truth and not falsehood. It is a great offense against humanity also, for where there is no regard to truth, there can be no safe society with one another. And falsehood is an injury to the speaker; for besides the disgrace which it brings upon him, it brings about so much baseness of mind that the liar can scarcely recognize what is truth, or avoid lying, even when he has no real need of it. Eventually, his friends and associates can not believe he is speaking the truth, and soon he himself can hardly tell when he is lying.

2. As you must be careful not to lie, so you must avoid coming even close to it. Do not equivocate, nor declare anything positively for which you have no stronger basis but only rumor or opinion.

3. Let your words be few especially when your superiors or strangers are present, lest you betray your weakness and rob yourself of the opportunity which you might otherwise have had to gain knowledge, wisdom, and experience by hearing those whom you silence by your impertinent talking.

4. Be not too earnest, loud, or violent in your conversation. Silence your opponent with reason, not with noise. Be careful not to interrupt another when he is speaking; hear him out, and you will understand him better and be able to give him the better answer.

5. Think before you speak, especially in matters of importance; consider the meaning of what you intend to say and the way you plan to say it, that it may be significant, relevant, and not offensive to anyone. Inconsiderate people do not think until after they speak.

6. Some people excel in agriculture, some in mathematics, some in history, etc. In conversation, learn as much as you can where the skill or excellence of a given person lies; get him to talk about that subject, notice what he says, keep it in your memory, or write it down. This way you will glean the worth and knowledge of everyone with whom you speak, and easily acquire some very useful information.

7. Whenever you happen to be surrounded by vain, trifling persons, let the observation of their failings make you all the more cautious, both in your conversation with them and in your general behavior, that you may avoid their errors. If anyone whom you do not know to be a person of truth and sobriety relates strange stories, do not be quick to believe or report them. Neither be brash in contradicting him (unless he is one of your family acquaintances). If you have a chance to state your opinion, do it modestly and gently, not bluntly nor coarsely. This way you will avoid offending him, or being abused for too much naivete.

8. If a person whose integrity you do not very well know makes great and extraordinary claims, do not give much credence to him. Probably you will find that he ultimately aims at something other than kindness to you, and eventually his regard for you will cool off. Beware also of the one who flatters you, or commends you to your face, or to one who he thinks will tell you of it. Most likely he has either deceived or abused you, or means to do so. Remember the fable of the fox who praised the singing of the crow that had something in her mouth which the fox wanted.

9. Be careful that you do not commend yourself. It is a sign that your reputation is small and sinking if your own tongue must praise you; and it is unpleasant to others to hear such commendations. Speak well of those who are absent whenever you get a chance. Never speak badly of them—or of anybody—unless you are absolutely sure they deserve it and that it is absolutely necessary to help them, or for the safety and benefit of others.

10. Avoid, in your ordinary conversations, not only oaths, but all curses and earnest protestations. Do not scoff or jest at the condition or natural defects of another human. Such offenses leave a deep impression and eventually come at a price.

11. Be careful to give no reproachful, menacing, or spiteful words to anyone. Good words make friends; bad words make enemies. It is great prudence to gain as many friends as we possibly can, especially when it may be done as easily as putting in a good word. It is quite foolish to make an enemy by unkind words which are of no advantage to you or anyone else. When faults are committed, they may be reproved by an appropriate person, but let it be done without reproach or bitterness. Otherwise the reproof will lose its power. Instead of reforming the offense, it will exasperate the offender and lay the reprover himself justly open to reproof.

12. If a person is passionate and hurls antagonistic words at you, rather pity him than be moved to anger. You will find that silence or very gentle words are the most exquisite revenge for reproaches; they will either cure the distemper in the angry man and make him sorry for his passion, or they will be a severe reproof and punishment to him. But at any rate, they will preserve your innocence, give you the deserved reputation of wisdom and moderation, and keep up the serenity and composure of your mind. Passion and anger make a man unfit for everything that would make him becoming as a Christian.

13. Never utter any profane speeches, nor make a jest of any scripture expressions. When you pronounce the name of God or of Christ, or repeat any passage or words of Holy Scripture, do it with reverence and seriousness, and not lightly, for that is “taking the name of God in vain.” If you hear of any inappropriate expressions used in religious exercises, do not spread them further—try to forget them. Or, if you do mention them at all, let it be with pity and sorrow, not with derision or reproach.