“English” Notes Chapter 3.4 Think Before You Speak! Class 9 Maharashtra Board

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.