Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 239

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

مَنْ أَطَاعَ التَّوَانِيَ

He who is a sluggard

ضَيَّعَ الْحُقُوقَ،

loses his rights

وَمَنْ أَطَاعَ الْوَاشِيَ

and he who believes in the backbiter

ضَيَّعَ الصَّدِيقَ

loses his friend.