27th Chapter
A man that is good at serving others will leave no trace of his action.
A man that is good at speaking will speak carefully and leave no harm.
A man that is good at planning does not complicate his preparation.
A man that is good at latching a door does not need a lock and it won’t open.
(A man that is good at building human relationships that stay together without forcing.)
A man that knows how to bind things together does not need rope (because the pieces fit together naturally).
(A man that is good at bringing people together connects their hearts in a natural way.)

A sage is good at discovering people’s potential, so that everyone can use their abilities.
(A sage also knows how to fulfill one’s potential and will not abandon any hidden talent)
A sage knows how to make good use of things and will discard nothing without it serving its purpose.
When a man has this ability, we say he has good insight.

Therefore, a man with insight can be the teacher for those who lack it. He can help others to develop their potential.
Even those who don’t see themselves as good at things, a man with insight will treasure their potential.
If one can’t cherish his teacher,
Or cherish the hidden talents of others,
Even if he is smart, indeed, he is unwise.
This is a subtle truth.
(He both belittles others and limits himself. It is the vanity of the foolish.)

Implications from the Holy Books

Let My counsel be acceptable to thee, and strive thou to rule with equity among men, that God may exalt thy name and spread abroad the fame of thy justice in all the world. Beware lest thou aggrandize thy ministers at the expense of thy subjects. Fear the sighs of the poor and of the upright in heart who, at every break of day, bewail their plight, and be unto them a benignant sovereign. They, verily, are thy treasures on earth. It behooveth thee, therefore, to safeguard thy treasures from the assaults of them who wish to rob thee. Inquire into their affairs, and ascertain, every year, nay every month, their condition, and be not of them that are careless of their duty.  ──   Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 114

O kings of the earth!…… Do not rob them to rear palaces for yourselves; nay rather choose for them that which ye choose for yourselves. Thus We unfold to your eyes that which profiteth you, if ye but perceive. Your people are your treasures. Beware lest your rule violate the commandments of God, and ye deliver your wards to the hands of the robber. By them ye rule, by their means ye subsist, by their aid ye conquer. ──   Bahá’u’lláh, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh 119

Go Back to the List of Chapters