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病从口入,祸从口出

bìng cóng kǒu rù, huò cóng kǒu chū
Sickness enters through the mouth, disaster exits through the mouth.

Sickness from mouth enters, disaster from mouth exits.

This saying warns that careless eating can cause illness, an...

This saying warns that careless eating can cause illness, and careless speech can cause trouble. It emphasizes the dual importance of dietary discipline and verbal caution in maintaining one's health and social standing.

This proverb reflects traditional Chinese medicine's focus on diet as a cause of disease, as well as Confucian social etiquette that values measured, thoughtful speech. It is a practical guide for daily life, often taught to children and repeated as a reminder.

Someone might say this after a friend has made a rude comment and suffered consequences, or when advising someone to watch what they eat to avoid stomach problems.

This saying encapsulates the Chinese belief in self-discipline as a key to well-being. It serves as a constant reminder that both physical health and social harmony depend on controlling one's impulses, particularly the mouth—a symbol of consumption and expression.

#caution #social-rules #health

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