Self-reflection benefits, neglect harms; fear ensures safety, observation yields wisdom

Nahj al-Balāgha|Volume 1|Book 3|Chapter 208

Nahj al-Balāgha

Book 3, Chapter 208

Self-reflection benefits, neglect harms; fear ensures safety, observation yields wisdom

Hadith #256

٢٠٨. وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام): مَنْ حَاسَبَ نَفْسَهُ رَبِحَ، وَمَنْ غَفَلَ عَنْهَا خَسِرَ، وَمَنْ خَافَ أَمِنَ، وَمَنِ اعْتَبَرَ أَبْصَرَ وَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ فَهِمَ وَمَنْ فَهِمَ عَلِمَ.

208. Amīr al-mu’minīn, peace be upon him, said: Whoever takes account of his self is benefited, and whoever remains neglectful of it suffers. Whoever fears remains safe; whoever takes instruction (from things around) perceives; and whoever perceives gains understanding, and whoever gains understanding secures knowledge.