Tell not all you know, believe not all you hear, do not all you are able

Tell not all you know, believe not all you hear, do not all you are able

The proverb "Tell not all you know, believe not all you hear, do not all you are able" is a timeless piece of wisdom that emphasizes the importance of discretion, discernment, and moderation in our words and actions. This proverb serves as a reminder that not everything we know, hear, or are capable of should be shared, believed, or done without careful consideration.

The first part of the proverb, "Tell not all you know," highlights the value of keeping certain information to ourselves. In a world where oversharing has become the norm, it is important to remember that not everything needs to be shared with others. Some knowledge is best kept private, either to protect ourselves or others, or simply because it is not relevant or necessary to disclose. By exercising discretion in what we choose to share, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, or betrayals of trust.

The second part of the proverb, "believe not all you hear," cautions against blindly accepting everything we are told. In an age of misinformation and fake news, it is more important than ever to critically evaluate the information we receive and not take everything at face value. By being discerning and questioning the validity of what we hear, we can avoid being misled or manipulated by false or misleading information.

The final part of the proverb, "do not all you are able," reminds us of the importance of moderation and self-restraint in our actions. Just because we are capable of doing something does not mean that we should. It is important to consider the consequences of our actions and exercise self-control in order to avoid making impulsive or harmful decisions.