Hear, See, Speak No Evil — Guarding Our Minds

 Hear, See, Speak No Evil is a creative, conversation‑starting book, perfect for adults to read and for parents to share with their children. 

The book uses a familiar image (the three wise monkeys) to discuss something vital: the gates to our minds and how we guard them.

This isn’t just another inspirational gift book—it challenges young and adult readers to consider what we hear, what we see, what we say, and why those choices matter to God.

Why the “three monkeys” still matter

Most of us recognize the three wise monkeys—one covering his ears, one his eyes, and one his mouth.  Together, they convey the moral message of “hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil.”  They’ve appeared on carvings, trinkets, jewelry, home decor, posters, etc., for centuries, crossing cultures and continents as a shorthand reminder to avoid corruption.

This book builds on the image of the monkeys and their messages, gently leading readers into a deeper, distinctly biblical understanding. Rather than treating the proverb as superstition or a generic “be good” motto, the book shows how the idea behind the monkeys beautifully echoes Scripture’s call to holiness.

From Shrine-gate to Heart-gate

Historically, the three monkeys are often associated with a 17th‑century carving above the gate of the Tōshō‑gū Shrine in Japan. 

In the Bible, there is rich imagery of gates—city gates, temple gates, and guarded entrances where leaders watched, judged, and protected.

And just as the temple had Levite gatekeepers who guarded what came into God’s house, the book helps families see that God has entrusted each of us with “gates” of our own: our eyes, ears, and mouths. Through our eyes and ears, information enters our hearts and minds; through our mouths, our hearts and minds are revealed to the world.

A Parent’s Guide to the “Temple Gates”

Reading the book and discussing the monkey’s missions offers moms and dads  the opportunity to sit with their children and explore questions like:

• What kinds of words are we letting in through the gate of the ear?
• What kinds of images and ideas are we allowing through the gate of the eye?
• What is flowing out through the gate of the mouth—encouragement or harm?

Built‑in Conversations

Each section naturally lends itself to dialogue:

• Hear No Evil – prompts families to talk about gossip, lies, and the subtle messages hidden in entertainment.
• See No Evil – opens discussion about discernment with screens, modesty, and the types of stories we consume.
• Speak No Evil – helps children connect their words to their hearts, and their hearts to Christ.

Plus a fourth monkey?

Read about the 21st-century monkey who is new to the group, but is just as important and necessary as the original three.  Everyone needs to hear the message this monkey gives!  

A Tool for Discipleship in a Noisy Age

We live in a generation where children and teens are bombarded with voices—online, at school, and even within their own homes. Parents feel that pressure acutely. Many are asking: How do I protect my kids without isolating them? How do I teach them discernment when I’m still learning it myself?

• Begin by opening conversations. 
• Be quick to listen to your child and be prepared with words of truth to share.
• Give them a fun lesson with the cute little monkeys. 
• Instill in them critical thinking about protecting their minds by guarding their gates.
• Reinforce the lessons and imagery of the monkeys to train children to pause and evaluate their choices—not only when mom is watching, but also when they are on their own.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

• Perfect for a mom or dad to help shape the family’s spiritual life.
• Perfect as a personal purchase to prepare oneself.
• Perfect as a special “I Love You” gift for children. 
• Perfect for grandparents who want to answer questions simply and clearly. 

Give a gift that opens doors—to reflection, conversation, and a lifetime of guarding the gates of hearts and minds!