Final answer:
The meaning of the aphorism is that hurting someone's feelings can be worse than inflicting physical harm. We should choose our words carefully to avoid long-lasting damage. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aphorism "A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over," from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack suggests that while physical mistakes can be temporary and often heal, the damage caused by words can be long-lasting and more difficult to mend. This aligns with the option that states: Hurting someone's feelings can be worse than inflicting physical harm. Essentially, it implies that we should be cautious with our speech because once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back and may have permanent consequences.