When I hear myself insulted in public, I imagine a pair of scales.  On one side I imagine my sins; on the other side I imagine the insults.  I then see that my sins are much heavier, and I remain silent, accepting my punishment as just.  I do the same any time I suffer from the deeds or words of others.  ~ Sefer Chareidim, cited in Shemiras Halashon, Tevunah, ch. 8