הלכה אויף תהילים 34:14

“Keep thy tongue from evil” (Ps. 34:14) when you reprove your neighbor guard your money.¹The translation is dubious. He whose words exceed his wisdom, his words will be upon him. He whose wisdom exceeds his words, let his words be with him.²Gabirol, Choice of Pearls, ed. Phillipawski, p. 17. This means, he whose words and reproofs of others exceed his understanding, that is to say, he is neither wise nor understanding enough to do as he says and his understanding does not prevail upon him to act in accord with his good words, his words will disgrace him. For listeners will say to everyone, “These virtues for which he reproves us, he himself lacks; he preaches well but does not act as well.”³Baba Metzia 107b. But one whose wisdom exceeds his words, who does not reprove excessively, but only according to the dictates of reason, wisdom, conduct and the loftiest virtues which are within him, his words will be with him, that is to say, the virtues for which he reproves others will be for him an honor and adornment. Listeners will say, “All this wisdom and discipline of which he speaks can all be found in him.” This is to teach you that silence is better than excessive talk. For the increase of silence redowns to one’s honor and grace, but excessive talk is a disgrace and shame. Of necessity, he who studies the book of Hasiduth and wisdom will try to act to the extent that he is able to understand, and will not aspire to understand merely to know a book. Merely to relate wisdom serves no purpose for the one who does so, it does not endure except with the one who absorbs it and only then is it of use to the one who relates it. Another explanation of “his words exceed his understanding,” is that he says more than is appropriate for him in light of his (own limited) wisdom and understanding. Solomon has said, “Overbearing speech becometh not a churl” (Prov. 17:7), then his words will rule over him and he will be caught in their hands. “He whose understanding exceeds his words,” i.e., that his wisdom is greater and in excess of his words, is virtuous. From his abundant wisdom he governs his spirit and does not bring words forth except in keeping with his judgement and understanding. His words will be heard, that is to say, they are his and in his possesssion, as “My beloved is mine and I am his” (Cant. 2:16).