Slander is like wind—it passes and leaves no trace. Temptation is like mist—it fades once seen clearly.
What stirs the heart most is often a whisper or a fleeting glance. Hearing rumors about yourself can stir anger and confusion, but to dwell on them is to fall into the trap of partial truth. The ancients said, “Listen to both sides, and you will see clearly; listen only to one, and you will remain in the dark.”
As for desire, the young are especially vulnerable. Yet desire itself is not evil; it becomes a barrier when it clouds the mind. Fill yourself with integrity, and temptation will lose its grip.
The first gate of life is mastering the mind. Whether married or single, self-restraint leads to lasting peace. A clear heart makes the world wide and open.
Hear all, but let slander pass. See all, but let temptation fade. When the heart is upright, the path unfolds.