A merchant suffered a loss of a thousand dinars. He said to his son: “You must not mention this to anyone.” The son replied: “Father, I will obey your command and not speak of it. However, I wish to understand the benefit of keeping it secret.” The father said: “So that the misfortune does not become twofold: one, the loss of wealth, and two, the gloating of neighbors.”
Do not share your sorrow with enemies,
For they will rejoice and say ‘There is no power [but with God]’ in mockery.
بازرگانی را هزار دینار خسارت افتاد. پسر را گفت: نباید که این سخن با کسی در میان نهی. گفت: ای پدر! فرمان تو راست، نگویم، ولکن خواهم مرا بر فایدهٔ این مطلع گردانی که مصلحت در نهان داشتن چیست؟ گفت: تا مصیبت دو نشود: یکی نقصان مایه و دیگر شماتت همسایه.
مگوی انده خویش با دشمنان
که لاحول گویند شادی‌کنان
This Hekayat teaches that sharing one’s misfortunes with others, particularly enemies, can lead to further suffering. Not only is there the pain of the original loss, but also the added bitterness of witnessing others take pleasure in your hardship.
