Words are like stepping stones on a frozen river. Speak nine truths and receive no praise; utter one mistake and face endless blame. Plan nine successes and earn no reward; fail once and endure relentless criticism. This is not the world's harshness, but the nature of human memory—quick to recall faults, slow to acknowledge virtues.
Thus, the wise speak little. The mouth is the gate of the heart; a loose tongue reveals all secrets. The mind is the foot of the heart; unchecked thoughts lead astray. Not everything needs to be said. Silence is not emptiness—it is space for wisdom.
When the heart is troubled, even silence feels chaotic. When the heart is at peace, even chaos holds stillness. Life's storms will come. In those moments, the sharpest words cause the deepest wounds. Only by calming the mind can we see clearly and act wisely.
Three principles of speech: Do not speak when ignorant. Speak little when knowledgeable. Speak slowly when agitated. In every word lies a choice—between noise and understanding, between regret and grace.