Speech is produced cheap, but it has high value. It can elevate as well as demean man. Listening to a speech, a zero can rise into a hero or a hero can collapse into a zero. It can inspire or plant despair. It must be true and sweet, not false and pleasant. Man must endeavour to acquire speech untouched by subterfuge, limbs untouched by cruelty, hands free from violence and thoughts free from vengefulness. Frenzy, fanaticism and gusts of anger have to be controlled, for they lead to disasters whose range is beyond calculation...Be conscious that every word we utter or hear will leave an impression on our consciousness, and provoke reactions which may or may not be beneficial. This is the reason why the company of God and godly people is to be sought.

- Divine Discourse, May 20, 1982.

Tell me your company and I shall tell you what you are. - Baba