Socrates was a great scholar.

Socrates was a great scholar.  One day someone came to see him and said to him:

 - Do you know what I heard about your friend?

 - Wait a moment - said Socrates - before you tell me about my friend, I would like to test you with three questions.

 Three questions?  - That person said.

 - Before telling a thing to others it is good to know what you want to say?  The first question is truth.  Have you verified that what you tell me is true?  Socrates asked.

 - No!  I have only heard about it...

 - Very good.  So you don't know whether it is true or false.  Now let me ask you another question, which will confirm the goodness.  Do you want to tell me something nice about my friend?

 - No!  Rather the contrary - he said

 - So you want to tell me bad things about him and you don't even know the truth.  You may still be able to pass the test, there is still a third question left, which will show the usefulness of your talk.  Would it be helpful for me to know this?

 - Not necessary.  he answered

 - So Socrates immediately drew a conclusion and said - What you wanted to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful;  Why did you want to tell me?