This warns that the more you talk, the more likely you are to say something wrong, offensive, or revealing. Silence is safer than excessive speech.
Confucian and Daoist traditions both value restraint in speech. In Chinese culture, listening more and speaking less is seen as a sign of wisdom and maturity.
It's a cautionary proverb that promotes self-discipline. It signals that careful speech protects both oneself and others, and that silence is often more respected than chatter.
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