LEV774 Seven things are [typical] in a clod, and seven in a wise man: [1] he does not speak before one who is greater than he in wisdom; Pirkei Avot, Perek V, mishnah 9. There is yet another version, in the standard additions of Talmud that Rashi and Mahzor Vitry follow, reading בחכמה ובמנין: "A wise man does not speak before one who is greater than he in wisdom or in number." Rashi explains: in number of years; in other words, it is seemly to show the same courteous difference to someone merely older, even if not particularly wiser--in keeping with Scripture's dictum, "Before an aged man shall you rise" [this verse]. With the passing of years a person is likely to have acquired wisdom out of his experiences, and he deserves respect on that score. This word ובמנין is also found in Avoth d’R. Nathan (A37), and clearly with the very same meaning, for it then gives Moses as an illustrative example of the wise man: “... it is stated: And Aaron spoke all these words which the Lord had spoken to Moses, and he did the signs in the sight of the people. (Exodus 4:30). Now, who was really the proper person to speak, Moses or Aaron?-- surely Moses, for he heard the instruction directly from the Almighty, while Aaron heard it from Moses. Nevertheless, Moses reasoned: Can I then speak where my older brother is present? He therefore bade Aaron speak.” Another meeting for ובמנין, says Rashi, is “greater in number of disciples.” Mahzor Vitry elaborates: In Talmudic times, after a thorough discussion and debate in the academy of Torah over an uncertain point of law, a vote would be taken, and the majority decision accepted. Then if a wise scholar finds that he differs with one who has more disciples than he, he will prudently remain silent. In any case a majority will side with the other.