Chapter Two The Virgin’s Prudence, among her virtues the second mentioned in the Gospel, which you should possess and cultivate in three ways, in imitation of the Virgin. The Virgin Mary was always most prudent. From her prudence, in order to please Christ, she thought, spoke, and acted as follows: She thought within herself about Gabriel’s manner of greeting her [cf. Lk 1:29], and she kept all these words, pondering them in her heart [cf. Lk 2:19; cf. Lk 2:51]. She fled into Egypt [cf. Mt 2:13-14] for the safety of her Son, nor did she return from there until after the death of Herod [cf. Mt 2:19-21]. Finally, she avoided the country where Archelaus reigned [cf. Mt 2:22]. According to the example and in imitation of the Virgin, and seeking to please Christ and the Virgin, devout souls shall not lightly break silence, but they shall speak only after deliberation [cf. Jas 1:19]. Before opening their lips they should ponder in their heart what they are going to say. Let them be on their guard against all lies or foolish talk, for God will destroy all those who speak a lie [cf. Ps 5:7]. Since perfect wisdom consists in knowing how 44
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