know that there are actions that have many benefits and even if their benefits are great and the benefits of their opposites then preferring them is a virtue in any case. so make your silence more than your speech for that is more indicative of your wisdom. and make your forgiveness more than your punishment for that is more indicative of your generosity. and do not be excessive in it to the point of putting words in their proper place and discipline in their proper time.
واعلم أن من الفعل أفاعيل وإن عظمت منافعها، ومنافع أضدادها فلإيثارها فضيلة على كل حال. فاجعل صمتك أكثر من كلامك؛ فإنه أدل على حكمتك. واجعل عفوك أكثر من عقوبتك؛ فإن ذلك أدل على كرمك. ولا تفرطن فيه كل الإفراط حتى تطرح الكلام في موضعه، والتأديب في أوانه.