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Speech is silver, silence is golden. Audio


Meaning and origin

This proverb means that sometimes it is better to remain silent than to speak, as silence can be more valuable and powerful than words. It suggests that speaking too much can sometimes lead to trouble or regret, while silence can be a sign of wisdom and restraint.

The origin of this proverb is not definitively known, but it has been traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was said that silence is one of the great arts of conversation. It has also been attributed to the Bible, specifically the Book of Proverbs, where it is written, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding" (Proverbs 17:28). The proverb has since been widely used and adapted in various cultures and languages.