A wise young man was well-versed in various disciplines of virtue, yet had an introverted nature. Whenever he sat in gatherings of scholars, he kept his speech to himself. One day, his father said: "My son, why don't you also speak about what you know?" The son replied: "I fear they will ask about what I do not know, and I will be embarrassed."
Have you not heard about the Sufi who was hammering some nails under his sandals?
A soldier grabbed his sleeve and said: 'Come and shoe my horse.'
جوانی خردمند از فنون فضایل حظی وافر داشت و طبعی نافر. چندان که در محافل دانشمندان نشستی زبان سخن ببستی. باری پدرش گفت: ای پسر! تو نیز آنچه دانی بگوی. گفت: ترسم که بپرسند از آنچه ندانم و شرمساری برم.
نشنیدی که صوفی‌یی می‌کوفت
زیر نعلین خویش میخی چند
آستینش گرفت سرهنگی
که بیا نعل بر ستورم بند
The story illustrates the value of humility and the caution of speaking only within one’s knowledge, as overconfidence can lead to embarrassment if one is questioned beyond their understanding.
