Actions

1         kathani mithi khand si, karani vish ki loi;

            kathani chhandi karani kare, vish ka amrit hoi.

 

Meaning

 

Speaking is sweet like sugar, and actions are like poison to many.

If, instead of speaking of good, one does good actions, the poison will turn into nectar.

 

Commentary

 

It is very important to speak politely, but if a person speaks politely and performs good actions, he will be able to bring peace and bliss to all. Polite speech and ignoble actions bring problems. In reality, actions are more important than words.

 

 

2         madhur vachan hai aushadhi, katuk vachan hai tir;

            sravan dwar hwai sanchare, sale sakal sarir.

 

Meaning

 

Sweet words are like good medicine, and harsh words are like arrows.

They enter through the doors of the ears, and give distress to the whole body.

 

Commentary

 

We have to speak the truth but also politely, because many problems are created by misuse of words. Problems can often be solved if we use sweet, polite and proper words suitable to the occasion. Our words also reveal what we are.

 

 

3         mitha sabse boliye, sukh upaje chahu or;

            basikaran yaha mantra hai, tajiye bachan kathor.

 

 Meaning

 

Speak sweetly and politely, and you will make everyone happy.

This is just like a charm. Give up harsh words.

 

Commentary

 

When you speak sweetly and politely you make many people happy. Everyone likes to listen to sweet and polite words. They attract people towards you, and they create happiness for all. Harsh words are improper. They hurt people, and can turn them against you. Sweet words win friends.

 

 

4         kaga kako dhan hare, koyal kako deya;

            mithe bachan sunai ke, jag apano kari leya.

 

Meaning

 

Does a crow steal someone's wealth, or does a nightingale give it?

The nightingale only "speaks" musical words and enchants the world.

 

Commentary

 

Everyone likes to listen to sweet and musical words but not to harsh words. People love the nightingale because of its sweet song, but dislike the crow because of its raucous noise, though they are of the same colour.

 

 

5         awat gari ek hai, ulati hot anek;

            kahe kabir na ulatiye, rahi ek ki ek.

 

Meaning

 

A verbal abuse is one, but responding to it will make many.

Kabir says: "Do not respond to the abuse and it will remain one."

 

Commentary

 

When someone speaks abusive words to any person, and that person responds, the quarrel will grow more and more. If you want to prevent a quarrel, do not respond to words of abuse. Keep calm. Don't indulge your tongue in uttering bad words.

 

 

6         jo toko kata bowai, tako bo tum phul;

            toko phul ke phul hai, wako hai trisul.

 

Meaning

 

When someone puts thorns on your path, you should put flowers on his.

At last, you will get flowers but he will get troubling thorns.

 

Commentary

 

If someone does wrong towards a devotee, the devotee should still continue to respond lovingly towards the wrong doer. The devotee will get blessings, but the wrong doer will have to endure suffering. As you sow so you reap. Who shares love will get love. Who gives troubles will get troubles.