“Your reputation is harmed the most by what you say to defend it”

Simplified Meaning:

When you try too hard to protect yourself from criticism, you might end up making things worse. Imagine a kid who broke a vase and then lies about it, saying he was never near the vase. The more he talks, the more obvious it becomes that he is lying, and people trust him less. Likewise, in real life, if someone accuses you of something and you make a big fuss trying to explain or defend yourself, people may start to doubt you even more, thinking you have something to hide. Instead, staying calm and addressing the issue honestly and simply can actually help maintain or even improve your reputation. For example, if a celebrity is caught in a scandal and they go on TV crying and yelling, trying to justify their actions, people might lose respect for them. But if they calmly admit to their mistake, show understanding of why it was wrong, and explain how they will make amends, people are likely to respect them for being honest and taking responsibility.