Page 66 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

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60 Mystic pathways through the bible
speak; if your truth is going to create bitterness, keep quiet. In those situations, it is better and more truthful to remain silent.
One must learn the art of expressing even a bitter truth in a pleasant manner. It is possible to point out someone’s mistakes in such a manner that the person recognizes his errors and feels inspired to change. If you point out a person’s mistake with sincerity and gentleness, he becomes appreciative of your concern and compassion. On the other hand, you can point out a person’s mistakes in an insulting manner that causes the person to be an object of ridicule. As a result, he develops animosity and the mistake is never corrected.
That is why great Sages and Saints are loved by all, despite the fact that they may call out to people, “You dull wits, I am speaking to you, and you do not hear. Wake up!” The words of a Sage are spoken with such profound intrinsic compassion and nonviolence that no one objects to hearing them; rather, they celebrate their words of truth again and again.
Truth on the Level of Action
The third aspect of the practice of truthfulness involves performing actions that are in harmony with your convictions, actions that promote harmony in others. If actions are performed on that basis, you are practicing truthfulness in an effective manner.