NOTE: 44

[in order that] we do not utter immodest words or tell fables that are contrary to good morals, as our Lord commands: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" (Ephes. 4:29). Second, we must consider the place and the time, and not speak unsuitable words; for it is not fitting to speak words of sorrow in a gathering of joy, nor to speak words of joy in a place of mourning. But if, by chance, someone should utter such words as do not befit the place and the time, one ought tactfully to turn his conversation and recount some other suitable thing. Third, one must take care in conversation not to praise oneself, nor to boast that we are wise or of noble lineage; rather, we must strive to be good citizens. For such words are a sign of pride; wherefore the wise man saith: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips" (Prov. 27:2). Likewise, we ought not to debase ourselves excessively, nor appear vile and wretched...