Which quote is better, the first which has more concise language, or the second, which is more explanatory? Or, is the third version best?

Whispers

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Whispers behind your back are silent. It is only when they are forced into the light of day that they are silenced.

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Whispers behind your back you may not hear. They are as good as silence. It is only when they are forced into the light of day, and you do hear them, that you can really silence them.

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Whispers behind your back are silent to your ears. It is only when you do hear them that you can silence them.

 (Index: Quotes)