Forbearance and wisdom as moral virtues

Nahj al-Balāgha|Volume 1|Book 3|Chapter 424

Nahj al-Balāgha

Book 3, Chapter 424

Forbearance and wisdom as moral virtues

Hadith #538

٤٢٤. وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام): الْحِلْمُ غِطَاءٌ سَاتِرٌ، وَالْعَقْلُ حُسَامٌ قَاطِعٌ، فَاسْتُرْ خَلَلَ خُلُقِكَ بِحِلْمِكَ، وَقَاتِلْ هَوَاكَ بِعَقْلِكَ.

424. Amīr al-mu’minīn, peace be upon him, said: Forbearance is a curtain for covering, and wisdom is a sharp sword. Therefore, conceal the weaknesses in your conduct with forbearance and kill your desires with your wisdom.