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Death Quote by JRR Tolkien

“The wise speak only of what they know, Grima son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become. Therefore be silent, and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till th.” quote by JRR Tolkien
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“The wise speak only of what they know, Grima son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become. Therefore be silent, and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till th.”

JRR Tolkien

About This Quote

Source Book: The Silmarillion (or related Middle‑earth text)

Only speak what you truly understand; avoid deceitful or empty words.

In simple terms: Speak only what you know; keep false speech away.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate honesty and restraint in speech.

Themes

honesty wisdom communication self‑control

Mood

thoughtful cautionary reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • teaching
  • leadership
  • personal reflections

Key Concepts

ethics linguistics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you speak despite uncertainty?
  • How does silence affect trust?
A Different Perspective

Silence can be misinterpreted as weakness; balance is needed.

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