53. If your destiny from God is to teach others
and you are treated inattentively, then do not become annoyed openly, but
lament about it mentally. Thus, because of your lamentation, you will not be
condemned together with those that did not listen to you, and you will not be
tempted to become angry (have feelings of animosity).
53. What is said in general to the many, is
usually beneficial to all: with that, direction will be given by every
individual conscience.
53. If from the first word a person will not
listen to you, do not compel him to do so with an argument; it is better to
draw to yourself that benefit, which the other rejected — because your goodness
is more beneficial to you than his reformation.
53. A person speaking rightly must himself thank
God for being given from Him that about which he speaks, because truth is not
the work of the speaker but that of an active God.
53. Do not attempt to remedy through accusation a
person that boasts of his good deeds, because the one and same person cannot be
an exhibitionist and a lover of truth.
53. Do not accuse a powerful individual with
vanity, for it is better to point out to him the future dishonor that awaits
him, because through this method it is easier for a sensible person to accept
the censure.
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