Nothing encourages idleness like empty talk. If people stayed silent and did not talk about the trifles with which they try to drive away the boredom of idleness, they would be unable to bear it.
The one who talks a lot rarely puts his words into action. But a wise person always fears lest his words surpass his actions.
— Chinese wisdom
Wise people do not speak empty words, fearing lest their actions not match their words.
— Chinese wisdom
Think before you speak! Stop before they tell you: “enough.” The human being is above an animal because of his ability to speak, but he is lower than an animal if he abuses it.
— “Gulistan” by Saadi
Do not answer a fool in the spirit of his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
The one who spends time in silence ascends towards God with ease; dissipation and empty talk lead to boredom and irritability.
— From “Devout Thoughts”
For every thousand times we repent for speaking, we will hardly repent once for staying silent.
The one who has nothing to say talks the most.
If you want to prevent a person from doing something, compel him to speak about it at length: the more people talk, the less they are inclined to act.
— Carlyle
The less you talk, the more you work.
