July 16

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 not be able to bear it.

1

The one who talks a lot rarely puts his words into action. But a wise person is always afraid lest his words should surpass his actions.

— Chinese wisdom

2

Wise people do not speak empty words, fearing lest their actions should not match their words.

— Chinese wisdom

3

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

4

Do not answer an insane person in the spirit of his insanity, lest you should be like him.

5

The one who spends time in silence ascends towards God with ease; dissipation and empty talk lead to boredom and irritability.

— From “Devout Thoughts”

6

For every thousand times we repent for speaking, we will hardly repent once for staying silent.

7

The one who has nothing to say talks the most.

8

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.