222．缄默是谨慎的表现_智慧书（中英双语）

<h1>222．缄默是谨慎的表现</h1>

缄默是谨慎的表现。舌头如同野兽，一旦松手，就再难缚住。它是心灵的脉搏，智者以此来判断心灵是否健康：凭此脉搏，细心的观察者能够感知心灵的每次跳动。最应沉默之人却最不沉默，这是最糟糕的事。智者会让自己尽量避免烦恼和尴尬，表现出纯熟的自制力。他十分审慎，像双面门神坚纽斯(1)一样不偏不倚，像百眼巨人阿各斯(2)一样时刻保持警惕。当然，莫墨斯(3)还不如让人在手上长眼睛，而不是在胸口开窗户。

<h1>222．Reserve is proof of prudence</h1>

Reserve is proof of prudence. The tongue is a wild beast: once let loose it is difficult to chain. It is the pulse of the soul by which wise men judge of its health: by this pulse a careful observer feels every movement of the heart. The worst is that he who should be most reserved is the least. The sage saves himself from worries and embarrassments, and shows his mastery over himself. He goes his way carefully, a Janus for impartiality, an Argus for watchfulness. Truly Momus had better ced the eyes in the hand than the window in the breast.

(1) 罗马神话中的门神，有两个面孔，朝着相反的方向。

(2) 见箴言第83条注(1)。

(3) 希腊神话中的挑剔和嘲弄之神。