Piha paschah b’chochmah means that even if someone is talking to you, יבׁƒ ָ̆ה¿ל לַה¿בƒנ ֹינו≈‡ םָכָח – that you’re not in a hurry to answer. If somebody asks you something, so if you’re a chochom you pause a moment before you answer. If you pause two moments, you’re a bigger chochom. If you pause all the time and don't talk at all, then you’re the biggest chochom.
Just because you say something, I have to answer you? One wisecrack, you think deserves another? Just because you opened your mouth, I have to open mine? Maybe I’ll decide that it’s not necessary.
Sometimes, it’s necessary. Take your time anyhow. Even if you must answer, take your time and think it over. It’s an art. Be polite, friendly. Make sure you open your mouth b’chochmah.
And you’re doing it because you’re learning from Hakadosh Baruch Hu Himself. Every time He spoke it was for the greatest plan and purpose, with endless wisdom. And that’s why He did it. He created this world with words so that we should know to speak only with words of plan and purpose.
