GEN919 Since proper speech is so important and it is so easy to sin by speaking harmfully about others, it is preferable in Judaism to speak as little as possible.  According to the Mishnah Avot 1:15, one should say very little but do a lot.   A person’s actions should speak for that person.  It is much better to promise a little and deliver a great deal rather than vice versa.   Abraham promised his guests a little water and bread, but gave them an entire feast fit for a king.   In addition to minimizing the potential for hurting someone, by promising less than one intends to do, a person does not raise false expectations.  Rabbi Shimon said Avot 1:17 that the best speech is no speech at all—silence.   Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 3:7 clarifies this notion when he says that there is a time for speech and a time for silence.  A person must train himself or herself to know when it is proper to be quiet and not say anything.  AMEMEI 278-79