Post #995084

An ill tempered, unhappy man Ridicules all he hears, Makes fun of others, refusing always To see the faults in himself The fool thinks that those who laugh At him are all his friends, Unaware when he sits with wiser men How ill they speak of him. The fool thinks that those who laugh At him are all his friends: When he comes to the Thing and calls for support, Few spokesmen he finds The fool who fancies he is full of wisdom While he sits by his hearth at home. Quickly finds when questioned by others . That he knows nothing at all. The ignorant booby had best be silent When he moves among other men, No one will know what a nit-wit he is Until he begins to talk; No one knows less what a nit-wit he is Than the man who talks too much. To ask well, to answer rightly, Are the marks of a wise man: Men must speak of men's deeds, What happens may not be hidden. Wise is he not who is never silent, Mouthing meaningless words: A glib tongue that goes on chattering Sings to its own harm. A man among friends should not mock another: Many believe the man Who is not questioned to know much And so he escapes their scorn. The wise guest has his way of dealing With those who taunt him at table: He smiles through the meal, not seeming to hear The twaddle talked by his foes. A wayfarer should not walk unarmed, But have his weapons to hand: He knows not when he may need a spear, Or what menace meet on the road. A man should be loyal through life to friends, To them and to friends of theirs, But never shall a man make offer Of friendship to his foes. https://www.ragweedforge.com/havamal.html