Lesson 4 – Of Silence, Speech, and Communication

From the Wisdom of the Sages.

1. Silence and speech are both good, used in good time: but, otherwise used, are both naught.
2. Silence in a woman is a great and a goodly virtue.
3. By silence, the discretion of a man is known: and a fool, keeping Silence, seems to be wise.
4. Much hurt has grown of Speech; but never none of Silence.
5. The profit of Silence is less than the profit of Speech: and the harm of Speech is more than the harm of Silence.
6. A fool is known by his Speech; and a wise man by his Silence.
7. There is great virtue in a man’s ears.
8. He that talks much declares himself to have small knowledge.
9. He that will not keep Silence is to be blamed: and he that speaks not till he be bidden is to be praised.
10. It is better to hear, than to speak.
11. Either talk of Virtue thyself; or give ear to them that will talk thereof.
12. Multiply Silence! so shalt thou avoid many perils!
13. Silence is the answer of foolish questions.
14. Of all good things, the greatest quantity is the best; save of words.
15. To talk of God is the best Communication.
16. We ought to hear double as much as we speak: Nature has given us two ears, and but one tongue.
17. A man has power over his words till they be spoken; but after they be uttered, they have power over him.
18. A man ought to consider before, what he will speak: and to utter nothing that may repent him afterwards.
19. He that speaks little, hearkens and learns at the Speech of others: but when he speaks, others learn of him.
20. Words, without good effect, are like a great water that drowns the people, and does itself no profit.
21. The filth of Worldly Wisdom is known by much Speech.
22. He knows not how to speak, that knows not how to hold his peace.
23. It is better to speak well, than to keep Silence; and it is better to keep Silence, than to speak evil.
24. To talk to God is the best Communication; and to think upon him is the best Silence.