Close Your Mouth

 

A boy once asked his father, a fisherman, “Papa, is it okay to tell people about my goals and dreams?”

The old man looked at him quietly, then said, “Why do you ask?”

The boy grinned. “Because I have big dreams—huge ones! I want to change lives, do great things, and make a difference everywhere. But I’m not sure if I should tell people or keep them to myself.”

The fisherman smiled, picked up his net, and said, “Come on, son. Let’s go fishing. I’ll answer your question there.”

They walked to the river, set their lines, and waited. The sun climbed, the water shimmered, and soon their basket began to fill. After hours of patient work, the fisherman finally stopped, pointed at the basket, and said, “Look at these fish, son. They’ve lost everything—their freedom, their families, their home. Soon they’ll be fried, grilled, or steamed. Do you know why?”

The boy frowned and shook his head. “No, Papa. Why?”

The fisherman smiled softly. “Because they couldn’t keep their mouths shut. A fish with its mouth closed never gets caught. The hook only finds the ones that open up too soon.”

He placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Remember this. In life, it’s the same. People lose what they’ve worked for because they speak too early—about plans, dreams, victories that aren’t yet real. Not everyone who listens wishes you well. So think before you speak. And sometimes, silence will protect what noise would destroy.”