Close thine ear against him that shall open his mouth…
“Close thine ear against him that shall open his mouth secretly against another. If thou receivest not his words, they fly back and wound the reporter. If thou dost receive them, they fly forward and wound the receiver.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Warns that listening to gossip can cause harm to both speaker and listener.
In simple terms: Avoid listening to harmful gossip.
Key Takeaway
Steer clear of malicious talk.
Themes
ethics
communication
integrity
Mood
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- online forums
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social dynamics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gossip affect trust?
- What can you do when overhearing harmful talk?
A Different Perspective
May be hard to avoid all rumors.