English Proverbs – LEND YOUR EARS TO ALL, YOUR TONGUE TO FEW

Proverb Expansion

The proverb means that we can listen to what others say, but we should not reveal our thoughts to others. We should be very careful in the selection of friends. We should not believe others all on a sudden when they try to please us with their good words. The aim of these people may be to get our secrets and to know our weaknesses.  They may then blackmail us with what they know about us. So we should try to identify the wolves in sheep’s skin. If we tell our secrets to a wicked person unknowingly, we are sure to come to grief. The wicked person may try to exploit us later on. He may take way our money and valuables by blackmailing us. Above all, he may spoil our good name in the society. Thus we pay for our own thoughtless action. We should therefore be very choosy about friends, well-wishers and confidants. The best policy is to be a good listener and a tactful speaker. We should listen to all and use our tongue only when it is needed. We should share our views and secrets only with those whom we know very well.