Everyone is disgusted by a man who offends one and all with meaningless chatter.§
Uttering useless words to crowds is worse than committing unkindnesses toward companions.§
A long and pointless discourse itself declares to all the speaker’s lack of worth.§
Worthless words are doubly unprofitable: the listeners’ enjoyment is lost, and the speaker’s own virtues vanish.§
Prestige and popularity flee the best of men the moment they speak inane and useless words.§
Do not call him a man who enjoys displaying his own empty words. Rather, call him the chaff of men.§
Let the wise, if they deem it necessary, speak even unpleasant words, but it is good if they always refrain from pointless speech.§
Even in search of extraordinary gains, the wise will never speak trivial or ungainful words.§
The wise, faultless and free from ignorance, never utter pointless words, even forgetfully.§
In your speaking, say only that which is purposeful. Never utter words that lack purpose.§