Better slip with foot than tongue
This quote is encouraging caution when speaking, and reminding us that it is better to err on the side of saying too little than saying too much. It suggests that it is better to make a mistake by stumbling in our steps than by saying something that may cause harm or offense.
A parable that illustrates this concept in a magical story
Young Knight Torben
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away, there was a wise old master, Ben who lived in a small cottage on bottom of a mountains. He was known throughout the land for his wisdom and knowledge, and many young apprentices came to him to learn the ways of the world.
One day, a young Student named Kia came to the old Ben’s cottage, eager to learn all that he could. Old Ben welcomed him with open arms and began to teach him many things, including the importance of being careful with one’s words.
Old Ben explained to Kia, “My young apprentice, always remember this: ‘Better slip with foot than tongue.’ It is better to make a mistake by stumbling in our steps than by saying something that may cause harm or offense.”
Kia listened carefully and nodded, but he didn’t fully understand what his old master meant. So, old Ben decided to tell Kia a story to help him understand.
Once upon a time, there was a young Knight named Torben. He was known throughout the land for his bravery and skill in battle, but he also had a quick tongue and sharp wit. He often made jokes and insults about those around him, not realizing the harm that his words could cause.
One day, Torben was on a quest to save a beautiful princess Astrid who was trapped in a tower by a wicked sorcerer. On his journey, he had to cross a narrow bridge over a deep chasm. As he crossed the bridge, he couldn’t help but make jokes and insults about the other travellers he passed by.
As Torben was nearing the end of the bridge, he slipped on a loose rock and almost fell into the chasm. Torben was saved by a kind old man who was also crossing the bridge. The old man warned Torben, “Be careful with your words, young knight. They carry weight and power, and it is important to be mindful of how you use them.”
Torben was shaken and humbled by the close call and from then on, he was more mindful of his words. Torben realized that it is better to slip with his foot than with his tongue and learn to be more cautious and think before speaking, rather than risk causing harm with his words.
Old Ben looked at Kia and said, “You see my young apprentice, it is better to be cautious and slip with our foot than risk causing harm with our tongue.”
Kia nodded, finally understanding the lesson that his old master had been trying to teach him. From that day forward, Kia was careful with his words and always remembered old Ben’s wise lesson: “Better slip with foot than tongue.”
Old Ben and Kia went on many other adventures together, and Kia never forgot the valuable lesson he had learned that day. And as Kia grew older, he passed on the wisdom to other young apprentices, who in turn passed it on to others, and so on, and so on, making sure that the wisdom of the old master would live on forever.
The end.
The moral of this story is that it’s important to be careful with the words we say. We should think before we speak and be mindful of how our words may affect others. It’s important to be kind with our words and think about how our words can impact others before we say them.
Extract from the book; Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice: A book on moral values inspired by Ben Franklin – Volume 4
5 book series
Master Ben and Kia the Young Apprentice:
A book on moral values
inspired by Ben Franklin
Introducing "Master Ben and Kia the young apprentice: A Collection of Moral Parables for Young Readers" - a heart-warming and imaginative children's book that teaches essential life lessons inspired by the great Ben Franklin himself.
Perfect for young readers aged 9 to 12, this captivating collection of short parables takes place in a fantastical kingdom, where an old master named Ben takes on Kia, his young and curious apprentice. Together, they embark on a journey filled with adventure and discovery, as they explore the importance of honesty, kindness, hard work, and many other virtues.
As the charming tales unfold, readers will be transported to a magical kingdom, all while gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good person. With each page turn, children will be delighted and captivated by the timeless wisdom that old Ben imparts.
Don't miss your chance to give your child the gift of wisdom and wonder with "Master Ben and Kia the young apprentice".
Add it to your cart today and make every story time a journey of discovery!
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