proverb · Legacy record
In the midst of great joy, do not promise anyone anything. In the midst of great anger, do not answer anyone’s letter.
In the midst of great joy, do not promise anyone anything. In the midst of great anger, do not answer anyone’s letter.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying cautions against promises in great joy and letter replies in great anger. It asks for reflection when strong feeling accompanies consequential words.
What the words are saying
The parallel clauses do not forbid all communication or establish that a person is incapable when emotional. A useful application can pause a nonurgent action to check its purpose and consequences. Necessary replies, support and honest discussion may still be appropriate, and no fixed waiting period is supplied.
Everyday example
Someone reviews an enthusiastic commitment’s feasibility and checks whether an angry letter expresses what they actually intend.
When to use it
Use it to discuss considered commitments and replies without dismissing emotion.
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What it does not mean
No universal incapacity or requirement to postpone urgent communication is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 956; PDF page 133
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.