Wider ears and a shorter tongue.

The proverb urges a person to listen more attentively and speak less. Understanding others should take priority over adding one's own words.

It calls for restraint, not silence: giving others room to speak can make a response more thoughtful and better informed.

This saying can serve as advice when someone interrupts, answers too quickly, or dominates a conversation. It can also express a personal intention to hear others out before responding.