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.
The first to plead is adjudged to be upright,
until the next comes and cross-examines him.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment