Introduction to the Lesson
- The lesson “Think Before You Speak” teaches us the importance of careful speaking.
- Words are powerful-they can help or hurt people.
- The lesson includes a wise saying, a story, and a teaching from Socrates to explain why we should think before speaking.
Key Points from the Lesson
1. Importance of Listening More and Talking Less
- Benjamin Disraeli, a British statesman, said:”Nature has given us two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more and talk less.”
- If humans had two mouths and one ear, they would look strange and talk too much!
- This shows that listening is more important than speaking.
2. Our Mouth Has Two Fences
- Ears are always open, but speaking is controlled by:(1) The teeth (first fence) and (2) The lips (second fence).
- Before speaking, words must pass through these two fences.
- This teaches us to think twice before saying anything.
3. Words Cannot Be Taken Back
- A wise man once said:”Of the unspoken word, you are the master; of the spoken word, you are a slave.”
- Before speaking, we control our words.
- After speaking, the words control us-we cannot take them back.
Story: The Young Man and His Teacher
4. A Lesson on Harsh Words
- A young man spoke harsh words to his friend and felt guilty.
- He asked his spiritual teacher how to correct his mistake.
- The teacher gave him a blank sheet of paper and told him to write all the harsh words he had said.
- Then, the teacher asked him to tear the paper into small bits and throw them out of the window.
5. The Teacher’s Message
- The pieces of paper flew away in the wind.
- The teacher then told the young man to collect all the pieces.
- The young man could not find a single piece.
- The teacher explained:”Words are like these paper pieces. Once spoken, they spread everywhere, and we cannot take them back.”
- Moral: Think before you speak, because you cannot undo harsh words.
Socrates and His Three Questions
6. Socrates’ Advice on Speaking
- Socrates was a wise Greek philosopher.
- He advised people to speak only when necessary.
- His followers asked, “When is it right to speak?”
- Socrates said: “Before speaking, ask yourself three questions.”
7. The Three Questions Before Speaking
Is it TRUE?
- If you are unsure about the truth, do not speak.
- Spreading false information makes you a liar.
Is it PLEASANT?
- Harsh and rude words hurt people.
- If your words do not bring happiness, it is better to remain silent.
Is it USEFUL?
- Will your words help someone?
- If your words benefit others, then speak.
- If your words cause harm, then do not speak.
8. Lesson from Socrates
- If the answer to all three questions is “YES”, then you may speak.
- If even one answer is “NO”, then remain silent.
Important Messages from the Lesson
Words are Powerful
- Words can make or break relationships.
- Once spoken, words cannot be taken back.
- We should always think before speaking.
Listening is More Important Than Speaking
- Since we have two ears and only one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we speak.
- Good listening helps us learn and understand better.
Harsh Words Hurt More Than Actions
- Angry words can damage friendships.
- We must control our anger and avoid saying hurtful things.
Always Speak the Truth, But Politely
- We should never lie, but we must also not speak the truth in a harsh way.
- The truth should be said pleasantly and only when necessary.
Silence is Sometimes Better Than Speaking
- If our words are not true, pleasant, or useful, it is better to stay silent.
- A moment of silence can prevent years of regret.
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