That was the advice given by a "self-made merchant to his son." He
meant, don't exercise your jaws by talking if you have nothing
important to say don't talk for the mere sake of talking; and, above
all, don't argue when you get an order.
Boys, you know, are rather fond of asking endless silly questions.
Before speaking you should think first whether what you are going to
say is really necessary or not, and then don't waste words or other
people's attention if it is not. If you _must_ keep your jaw
wagging, our American friend says "chew gum."
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