There
is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword
The
heart of the upright reflects before answering, the mouth of the wicked spews
out wickedness.
The heart of the wise
lends shrewdness to speech and makes words more persuasive.
To
retort without first listening is both foolish and embarrassing.
There are gold and jewels of every type, but a
priceless ornament is speech informed by knowledge.
Give ear, listen to the
sayings of the sages, and apply your heart to what I know, 18 for
it will be a delight to keep them deep within you
to have them all ready on your lips.
Beware of uttering frivolous complaints
Be quick to listen, and
deliberate in giving an answer.
If you understand the
matter, give your neighbor an answer, if not, keep your hand over your mouth.
Do not
find fault before making thorough enquiry;
first reflect, then give a reprimand.
Listen before you answer,
and do not interrupt a speech
before it is finished.
Learn before you speak
Being too ready to trust shows shallowness of mind
The words of the wise are
carefully weighed
Take care not
to err with your tongue, and fall victim to one lying in
wait.
Reason
should be the basis for every activity, reflection must come before any
undertaking
Be sensitive to the kind
of answer each one requires.
Remember this, my dear brothers:
everyone should be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to human anger
Always have your answer ready for people
who ask you the reason for the hope that you have.
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