A night-prowling robber is better than a sinner in the tunic of a saint.
Expect not wages from Omar, O son, when thou workest in the house of Zaid.
If in private I am bad and mean, of what avail is it to pose before the world with honour? How much will the bag of hypocrisy weigh in the Scales of Justice?
The outside of the hypocrite’s coat is neater than the lining, for the one is seen and the other is hidden.
CHAPTER VI
CONCERNING CONTENTMENT
He knows not God nor performs His worship who is not contented with his lot.
Contentment maketh a man rich—tell this to the avaricious.
O irresolute one! be tranquil, for grass grows not upon revolving stones.