Kathā-kaṇḍa — On Words and Speech

64. The four marks of well-spoken speech

The first and foundational principle is to speak the "well-spoken" (subhāsita) — words that are spoken well, with substance and meaning. The second is to speak in accord with the Dhamma, which is the truth that leads to benefit and to liberation. The third is that speech should be sweet and kind, fostering harmony rather than discord. The fourth is that it must be true, free of lies and deceit. For good words to be factually correct is not enough; they must also be joined with good intention and aimed at the benefit of the listener, so as to be a truth that is both correct and skillfully presented. (This verse comes from the Subhāsita Sutta.)

65. The words of the wise do not endure in the fool

Just as the precious lion's fat is believed to keep only in gold and not in a metal like silver, so the profound speech of the wise does not adhere or endure in one of wicked disposition. A foolish or malicious listener lacks the inner "substance" of mind to receive, retain, or apply wise teaching. The teaching is therefore wasted on him, for his nature cannot serve as the condition in which the Dhamma may take root. True understanding requires a mind that is receptive and virtuous — like a precious vessel of gold.

66. Gentle words soften even the hard-hearted

However fierce, intense heat cannot make dry, hard clay soft — instead it bakes it harder still. But water, which is gentle, seeps in and softens the clay entirely. In the same way, harsh words or anger cannot soften the obstinate or cruel heart of a person; they only provoke it to greater hardness. But speech that is calm, kind, and virtuous has the power to penetrate deeply and to transform, able to dissolve hostility and soften a hardened nature.

67. Conquering through gentleness

Gentleness is the supreme means of overcoming even the hardest obstacles. It can subdue enemies and calm the fierce. The declaration that "there is nothing gentleness cannot accomplish" points to its all-encompassing efficacy. Because gentleness is so powerful, it should be held as the primary means of victory. Here victory is not the defeat of another, but the conquest of conflict itself — attaining resolution and harmony without creating fresh enmity. Gentleness is therefore the supreme strength.

68. Well-spoken speech is cooler than sandalwood and the moon

Sandalwood paste is famed in the world for its cooling property that soothes the body's heat. Moonlight is cooler still, giving relief from the heat of the day and a serene coolness. But better than both is speech that is spoken well, kind, and truthful. While sandalwood and the moon soothe bodily heat, fair speech has the power to quench the fires within the heart — anger, anxiety, sorrow, and lust — giving a spiritual coolness deeper than any comfort of the senses. It is a direct healing of the heart.

69. The cool-spoken have many friends; the harsh-spoken have none

One who speaks in a cool, calm, and gentle tone naturally attracts many friends, for his words bring comfort and strengthen bonds. The opposite is one of harsh, coarse speech, who drives others away and ends up friendless. The comparison invites reflection: the cool and gentle moon is beloved and gazed upon, while the fierce, blazing sun, though respected, is kept at a distance — and a king should mark this well. Speech, then, determines whether we are approached with love or avoided.

70. A few words in season, like food to the hungry

Even a few words spoken at the most fitting moment and to a receptive listener can have immense impact and be truly well-spoken. It is like plain — or even slightly spoiled — food, which nonetheless tastes delicious and satisfying to one who is genuinely hungry. Value lies not in the grandeur of the words or the food in themselves, but in their fitness to the need of the moment. Wisdom in speech therefore lies in knowing not only what should be said, but when and to whom, so that it yields the greatest benefit.

71. Even good words, spoken too much, lose their worth

If one speaks too much, even valuable advice loses its force and fails to command the listener's esteem and attention; instead he feels overwhelmed or annoyed. The simile is the river: its water is fundamentally beneficial to life, yet because it is so abundant and ever-present, people take it for granted and overlook it. In the same way, an unceasing stream of speech, however good, leads to the listener's disregard. Restraint and measure give words their weight, while excess cheapens them.

72. Not speaking at length, not silent always, but speaking in season

One should not speak at excessive length, which becomes tedious and dilutes the meaning. On the other hand, one should not be silent all the time, which fails to share useful knowledge and fails to strengthen bonds. The ideal is to speak at the fitting moment, with words that are measured, clear, and concise. This balanced approach makes our words heard, understood, and respected — it is knowing both when to speak and when to listen.

73. Skillful speech is the root of success

Speech and desirable undertakings refer to good aims, both worldly and spiritual. For these to succeed, the root cause is skillful communication — speaking truthfully, harmoniously, and encouragingly. If the root, skillful speech, is neglected or lost — whether through lying, sowing discord, or coarseness — then even the best-laid plans and intentions will fail, for all endeavors depend on cooperation, trust, and clear guidance, all of which are built up or destroyed by speech. Training in speech is therefore no secondary matter, but the essential foundation of all success.

74. The five limbs serve the mouth

The five chief parts of the body — hands, feet, head, back, and belly — are described as attendants that constantly serve the mouth. They act on the mouth's command: the hands labor, the feet travel, the head thinks and plans, the back bears burdens, and the belly digests — all directed by the intention that forms and is expressed through speech. This verse is a warning that speech is the commander of the whole person. Unwholesome speech sends the body toward harmful deeds, while wholesome speech guides it toward good.