FEAR God both in public and in private, and walk in humility before Him. Do thy public work in a modest manner, and have concern for the mass and multitudes of men; and as for thy private affairs, do them with openness, knowing that God seeth thee from His habitation.

Dost thou now inquire concerning the quality of humility, since thou desirest to understand it, so that thou mayest pursue thy secret matters in a manner that it may be well with thee in the end; so that thou mayest be held in esteem by anyone finding thee to be possessed of it, and thou mayest be lauded on account of this beautiful quality?

Wouldst thou hide and conceal thy deeds from mankind who understand them not, and be ashamed and confused on their account, being afraid lest they might think lightly of thee? And shouldst thou not feel shame and fear before thy God, who understandeth thy secret actions and their obligations?

Have fear, and do thy work in secret humility; why should man know it? Shouldst thou, however, find satisfaction in its publicity, surely thou canst reveal what is hidden. Why shouldst thou make things public, which thou canst not afterwards hide?

Lo, how precious is the quality of humility to ensure peace of body and mind! Thereby is even the wise of heart rescued, when he falls into the hands of the godless; by its means he goes forth free. Does a slice of pomegranate become soiled, if it drop into thick mud and mire?

Understand that humility is a delightful attribute, without stain or spot in its trail. Every noble man, every man of fame, rulers and princes, might be glorified, if they had but sufficient wisdom to do their work in secret.

Ask him who runs after the approval of the crowd of men to regard the lily (sic) which is encased between thorns. Would the prickly thorn approach to hinder it, while its bud and leaf are yet hid in lowliness? Nevertheless, on the day that it appears in all the glory of its beauty, it nips it, and its splendid appearance vanishes.

Be lowly, and conceal thy actions, the worth of which outsiders are unable to gauge; why be expected to disclose their motive, and to discover their origin? Be firm, and thou shalt find grace, favour, and good understanding in the eyes of God and man.