The belly has no ears, nor is it to be filled with fair words.

Hunger does not listen to arguments. A person who has not eaten cannot be reasoned into being all right, and sympathy does not do the work of food. This is worth remembering whenever a shortage is answered with language: the encouraging speech to people who need paying, the kind words offered instead of the practical thing. Fair words have their place, and it is not here.

Where someone is short of something material, give the material thing if you can, and if you cannot, say so plainly rather than filling the gap with sentiment. When it is you who is short, ask for the concrete help rather than the conversation.