just wonderin' ;)
2007-02-10 06:02:52 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The full expression goes "Speech is silver, silence is golden."
In other words, remaining silent at the right time may be even BETTER than having the right word. (The expression is often used to suggest to someone that the wisest and most helpful thing in a particular situation might be NOT to try to say something.)
This IDEA is ancient (there's an example of it in ancient Egyptian writings), but apparently this way of expressing it --using "silver/golden" -- can be traced back to a statement in Hebrew "Midrash" (Jewish Biblical commentaries) translated into English as 'If speech is silvern, then silence is golden.'
http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/21/messages/660.html
Very likely the origin of this language is rooted in the following biblical proverb or something similar:
"A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
(Proverbs 25:11)
2007-02-12 05:12:35 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Becuase it is rare when you hear complete silence. there is always some noise going on but it is very rare and to hear silence. Personally I dont like silence.
That is why sielence is golden
2007-02-10 14:11:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because that is the value of silence at the appropriate time.
2007-02-10 14:06:41 · answer #3 · answered by Agnon L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you attend a social function, observe the quite one that is intermingling. Not the quite wall flower, rather the one mixing it up, but not interjecting.
Ask those in the group who the most intelligent one in the room is. I guarantee they will tell you the silent mingler.
2007-02-10 14:10:13 · answer #4 · answered by Joe P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Silence is golden because Duct Tape is silver! :-P
2007-02-10 16:57:13 · answer #5 · answered by Michelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because platinum was not discovered yet.
Else it could be: silence is platinum.
Seriously, gold is considered to be very valuable; thus, silence is very valuable or priceless.
2007-02-10 14:15:37 · answer #6 · answered by tranquil 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By being silent, you do not insult, hurt, ruin a relationship with someone else, or for someone else. If you have nothing nice to say....is better to be quiet too! :)
2007-02-10 14:10:42 · answer #7 · answered by Mimi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and have it confirmed.
2007-02-10 14:12:06 · answer #8 · answered by mattzcoz 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
gold = valuble
silence = valuble when we don't want to hear your fat *** mouth running.
like in movies.
2007-02-10 14:13:04 · answer #9 · answered by crimsonfury73 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
SHUT UP! AND GET RICH!
2007-02-10 14:10:43 · answer #10 · answered by oldmanwitastick 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋