In his last speech to AA, Dr. Bob urged that we guard against "that erring member, the tongue." The Buddhists recommend right speech as part of the eightfold path. The writer of the letter of James seems to have had a low regard for the tongue: The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ... And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body ... If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. No, James seems not have cared too much for idle chatter.

In a Quaker (Society of Friends) business meeting, some singular practices are enjoined upon the members. Only under exceptional circumstances will a Friend speak more than once to a topic. No Friend will talk at all unless the Clerk of the meeting so indicates. And -- perhaps most significantly of all -- no Friend will speak immediately after another Friend. Instead, the meeting will quietly consider what has just been said, it being recognized that it takes at least some time to fully absorb another's contribution.

Our practice of the last three Steps inevitably draws us in the direction of speaking mindfully. In particular, our ongoing practice of Step 10 will make us want to consider the feelings that arise in us when others are talking. A kneejerk response to comments of other people is likely to get us into trouble. Step 10 guides us in the direction of thoughtful consideration, not merely of what others say, but of the emotions aroused in us, before we reply.