Self-Restraint

Our objective should be the development of self-restraint. This carries a top priority rating. When we speak or act hastily or rashly, the ability to be fair-minded and tolerant evaporates on the spot. One unkind tirade or one willful snap judgment can ruin our relationship with another person for a whole day, or maybe a whole year. Nothing pays off like restraint of the tongue and pen. We must avoid quick-tempered criticism and furious, power-driven arguments. The same goes for sulking or silent scorn. These are emotional booby traps baited with pride and vengefulness. Our first job is to sidestep traps. When we are tempted by the bait, we should train ourselves to step back and think. We can neither think nor act it's a good purpose until the habit of self-restraint has become automatic. 12&12pg.91