Dhammapada 258

You are not wise just because you speak much

You are not wise just because you speak much. One who is at peace, without hatred, without fear is called wise.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

Speaking at length does not by itself make someone wise. Here wisdom is associated with peace, absence of hatred, and absence of fear; the last quality can also carry a non-threatening sense.

Key words

abhaya

without fear — A non-threatening or harmless sense is also possible here.

The story behind the verse

The Band of Six

In the commentary, Monks of the Band of Six caused disorder in dining places, and they claimed to be the intelligent and wise ones. They threatened younger monks and novices, and they grabbed them from behind and put sweepings on their heads. The younger monks described the treatment when they returned to the monastery, and other monks reported it to the Buddha. He explained that speaking much and troubling others does not make someone wise, and he identified wisdom with patience, freedom from hatred, and freedom from fear.

Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.