3.6 Think Before You Speak! – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Adapted Prose (with stories of Socrates, Benjamin Disraeli, and a spiritual teacher)

Genre: Reflective / Value-based Prose

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

Think Before You Speak! is a reflective lesson that highlights the importance of listening more and speaking carefully. Benjamin Disraeli humorously says that man has two ears and one mouth, which means we must listen more and talk less. A spiritual teacher explains this further with a story: a young man who had spoken harsh words is asked to tear a paper into pieces and scatter them in the wind. When he fails to collect them back, he realises that spoken words are like scattered bits—once uttered, they cannot be taken back. The lesson also recalls Socrates’ advice to his disciples: before speaking, ask three questions—Is it true? Is it pleasant? Is it useful? Only if the answer to all three is ‘Yes’ should we speak. Through examples, anecdotes, and wisdom, the lesson teaches control of speech, the value of silence, and the power of kind, thoughtful words.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is that words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. Therefore, we must think carefully, speak the truth, and use words that are pleasant and useful.

Character Sketches

The Young Man

• Impulsive and spoke harshly to a friend.

• Regretted his mistake and sought advice.

• Learnt the value of careful speech through his teacher’s example.

The Spiritual Teacher

• Wise and patient.

• Used the paper-tearing example to show the damage of careless words.

• Guided the young man to learn self-control.

Socrates

• Great philosopher of ancient Greece.

• Advised speaking only when words are true, pleasant, and useful.

• His wisdom emphasises thoughtful communication.

Benjamin Disraeli

• British statesman quoted in the lesson.

• His humorous observation teaches us to listen more and talk less.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “We must learn to listen more.”

   Infinitive: to listen – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The young man spoke harsh words to his friend.

   Passive: Harsh words were spoken by the young man to his friend.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We should think before we speak.”

   Should shows advice.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: Socrates said, “Is it true?”

   Indirect: Socrates asked if it was true.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The teacher gave the young man a blank sheet of paper.

   Question: What did the teacher give to the young man?

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why should we listen more and talk less?

   We should listen more and talk less because listening helps us understand others better. Talking too much without thinking can lead to mistakes and hurt others.

   
   

2. Do you agree that spoken words cannot be taken back? Why?

   Yes, spoken words cannot be taken back because once they are heard, they may hurt or influence others permanently. Unlike thoughts, words cannot be erased.

   
   

3. Which advice of Socrates do you find most useful?

   The most useful advice is to speak only if words are true, pleasant, and useful. This ensures that our speech is thoughtful and never harms anyone.

   
   

4. Have you ever regretted saying something? What did you learn?

   Yes, once I spoke angrily to a friend and later regretted it. I learnt that anger harms relationships and silence is often better than careless words.

   
   

5. What lesson does the story of the torn paper teach us?

   The story teaches that harsh words are like scattered paper bits—they cannot be gathered back. Once spoken, words have lasting effects.

True or False (5)

1. Man has two mouths and one ear. → False (He has two ears and one mouth.)

2. Spoken words can easily be taken back. → False (They cannot be taken back.)

3. The young man tore the paper into small bits and threw them out. → True

4. Socrates gave three questions to check before speaking. → True

5. Words that are untrue but pleasant should still be spoken. → False (They must also be useful and true.)

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why does Disraeli say man has two ears and one mouth?Disraeli says this to stress that humans are meant to listen more and speak less. It is a humorous yet effective way to give a moral lesson.

   
   

2. What did the teacher ask the young man to do with the paper?The teacher asked him to write harsh words, tear the sheet into bits, and scatter them in the wind. Later, he told him to collect them, showing how spoken words cannot be taken back.

   
   

3. What three questions did Socrates advise before speaking?The three questions are: Is it true? Is it pleasant? Is it useful? Only if the answer is ‘Yes’ to all three, should we speak.

   
   

4. What is the difference between spoken and unspoken words?Unspoken words remain as thoughts under our control. Spoken words, once uttered, cannot be controlled or taken back, and may hurt others.

   
   

5. What message does the lesson Think Before You Speak! give?It conveys that words are powerful and must be used with care. We should speak less, listen more, and ensure our words are true, kind, and beneficial.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Think Before You Speak! is a moral and reflective lesson that highlights the importance of careful speech. The stories of Disraeli, the spiritual teacher, and Socrates make the lesson lively and memorable. The examples of torn paper and three questions emphasise that careless words cause harm, but thoughtful speech builds harmony. The lesson is important for students because it teaches patience, kindness, and wisdom in communication. It remains memorable for its simple yet powerful message—control your words, as they define your character.

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