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Bhagavad Gita 17.15
Before you speak, ask: is it true, is it kind, is it helpful?
Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17, Verse 15
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत्।
स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते॥
anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ ca yat
svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva vāṅ-mayaṁ tapa ucyate
Translation
Speech that causes no distress, that is truthful, pleasant and beneficial, along with regular study — this is called discipline of speech.
हिन्दी भावार्थ
जो वाणी किसी को उद्वेग न दे, जो सत्य, प्रिय और हितकारी हो, तथा स्वाध्याय का अभ्यास — इसे वाणी का तप कहा जाता है।
In simple words Interpretation
Before you speak, ask: is it true, is it kind, is it helpful?
Context
Krishna describes three kinds of discipline — of body, speech and mind. This is the discipline of speech.
When this may help
When a conversation feels tense, or you're unsure how to say something difficult.
Reflection question
What is something true you need to say — and how could you say it kindly?
A small practice
Before one difficult message today, check it: true? kind? helpful?
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