wise restraint Quotes

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

I prefer tongue-tied knowledge to ignorant loquacity.

There are people who don't say a thing and sound magnificent!

It is much better that the House wonder why you do not speak than why you do.

Silence is the sanctuary of prudence.

Perfect good sense shuns all extremity, content to couple wisdom with sobriety.

Often silence is the wisest thing for a man to heed.

When you're arguing with a fool, you're the fool for even going back and forth.

The man who knows when not to act is wise. To my mind bravery if forethought.

Grasp not at much, for fear thou losest all.

Contend not in wisdom with a fool, for thy sense maketh much of his conceit; And some errors never would have thriven, had it not been for learned refutation.

I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can. I shall not speak much for fear of saying foolish things; I will risk still less for fear of doing them, for I am not disposed to abuse the confidence which they have deigned to show me. Such is the conduct which until now I have followed and will follow.

We seldom give each other advice-I think that's the success of 25 years of marriage.

The sage does not attempt anything very big, and thus achieves greatness.

Be prudent, and if you hear, * * * some insult or some threat, * * * have the appearance of not hearing it.

Caution is crediting, and reserve in speaking, and in revealing one's self to but very few, are the best securities both of a good understanding with the world, and of the inward peace of our own minds.

It doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle till the storm has blown away, then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say.

The ferocity we show our foes must be tempered by the lesson we hope to teach.

Prudent men lock up their motives, letting familiars have a key to their hearts, as to their garden.

Sometimes you best avoid talking by being quiet, but sometimes you best avoid talking by talking.

Be not so severe as to cause shyness, nor so clement as to encourage boldness.

Wisdom has its excesses, and has no less need of moderation than folly.

Don't set your wit against a child.

For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.