Often do I wonder when to speak and when to listen. The analytical part of my head wants precise rules to tell me when I am at which stage. To be faithful to the growing life of the Spirit in me, I do very much better when I entrust myself to a guide, who has traveled at least part of the path before me. And how to relate to a guide, once such a person is found. All this takes discernment.
Relationship is much harder work, and often seems very ambiguous.
Perhaps the answer lies in verses 2-4 above, wherein the abbot is told to belong to Christ, and let Christ live in him. I am to train my heart to listen for the Word, and to receive it gladly. Then, as Christ comes more fully to dwell in me, my questions will begin to sort themselves out more readily. This is a school Benedict is guiding. The Lord's commandments, those lessons about the good and the holy which come to us in the Christian tradition, these must be lived.