Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 148

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:

الْمَرْءُ مَخْبُوءٌ تَحْتَ لِسَانِهِ.

Man is hidden under his tongue. 35

 

35. The meaning is that a man's worth can be known by his speech because the speech of every person is indicative of his mind and manners, and by virtue of it his feelings and temperament can be very easily assessed. Therefore, so long as he is silent his weaknesses as well as attainments are concealed but when he speaks his real self manifests itself. A man is hidden under his tongue; unless he speaks you cannot know his worth and value.