Ptahhotep Quotes

Prudent is he who can keep silent that part of truth which may be untimely, and by not speaking it, does not spoil the truth of what he said.

It is but a small merit to observe silence, but it is a grave fault to speak of matters on which we should be silent.

It is not every question that deserves an answer.

I'm of the opinion that it's okay to be silent, to not speak if you don't have anything to say.

I will begin to speak when I have that to say which had not better be unsaid.

Half of seeming clever is keeping your mouth shut at the right times.

It is a great misfortune not to possess sufficient wit to speak well, nor sufficient judgment to keep silent.

Much tongue and much judgment seldom go together.

We still need a voice that thinks before it speaks.

Silence and reserve will give anyone a reputation for wisdom.

A wise man does not chatter with one whose mind is sick.

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.

Listen to many, speak to a few.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

Lord, give us the wisdom to utter words that are gentle and tender, for tomorrow we may have to eat them.

We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.

Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech.

A wise man proportions his belief to the evidence.

Never rise to speak till you have something to say; and when you have said it, cease.

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

I am much obliged to you gentlemen for leaving me one sentence of my own.

There are many things of which a wise man might wish to be ignorant.

It is a sad thing when men have neither the wit to speak well, nor the judgment to hold their tongues.

Forbear to mention what thou canst not praise.

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.