Silence is golden. A man derives various advantages by keeping silent. Speaking is a physical exercise. And like any other physical exercise. It uses energy. But by talking less we can save this energy which can be used for other useful purposes.
Secondly, a man, who talks too much, often utters thoughtless words which create many difficulties for him. Byron a great English poet, made a hundred enemies for every ten jokes he made.
Thirdly, by talking too much, we generally expose ourselves. A man who knows nothing may be able to deceive people for a little while. But if he goes on talking the listeners soon come to know that his knowledge is shallow and he becomes a laughing stock. Someone has rightly said that it is better to remain silent and be thoughtful than spreaking thoughtlessly.
Fourthly, too much talking often leads to misunderstanding. A majority to quarrels can be avoided if we can only control our speech. Last but not the least silence is a part of spiritual discipline. It is, undoubtedly, a virtue of high order. Speech is, no doubt, silver but silence is golden.
@amazingarmaan