54th Chapter
One who is an expert in swords, won’t use swords to fight easily.
One who appreciates the virtues which he wears like a garment, he won’t take them off easily.
If one can make virtues a family teaching, then his descendants will last.
If one endeavors to practice virtues in his daily life, then he can achieve true virtue.
If one endeavors to practice virtues in his family life, then those virtues will increase his spiritual riches.
If one endeavors to practice virtues in his village life, then he will earn respect in his village.
If one endeavors to practice virtues in his country, then his virtues will become abundant like a tree full of fruit.
If one endeavors to practice virtues in the world, then his virtues can become universal like a tree that provides shade for all.
Therefore, if a man knows how to attain true virtue, then he knows how to help others cultivate it.
If he knows how to enrich life in his family, then he knows how to enrich others’ life.
If he knows how to earn respect in his village, then he knows how to help others gain respect.
If he knows how to develop abundant virtues in his country, then he knows how to help others to become a fruitful tree.
If he knows how to provide his abundance to the world and benefit the world, then he knows how to help others do the same.
From his own practice, he learns all the conditions in every stage he goes through, so he knows the stage that others are at, and is able to provide help.

How do I know all these? From what I have experienced.

Implications from the Holy Books

O SON OF MAN! Bestow My wealth upon My poor, that in heaven thou mayest draw from stores of unfading splendor and treasures of imperishable glory. But by My life! To offer up thy soul is a more glorious thing couldst thou but see with Mine eye. —Bahá’u’lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic 57

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