Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt, or so said my dad.

Imagine my delight at discovering some time later that he was quoting Scripture, at least sort of maybe.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28

Proverbs has much to say about the carefully-chosen words of the wise and the babbling of fools. If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, learning to guard ones words is close behind it.

It is said by the wags that the three secrets of success are first, to listen more than one speaks, and second, not to say everything one knows.

Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut.