إن يبلغنَّك عن جود امرئٍ خبر

إن يبلغنَّك عن جود امرئٍ خبر

فكذِّب السمعَ حتَّى يشهد البصرُ

فكذِّب السمعَ حتَّى يشهد البصرُ

If a report of a man's generosity should reach you,

If news of a man's generosity reach you,

then distrust your hearing until your sight bears witness.

Then deny hearing until sight bears witness.

ولا يغرُّك إن راقتْ ظواهره

ولا يغرُّك إن راقتْ ظواهره

فربَّ دوحٍ نضيرٍ ما له ثمرُ

فربَّ دوحٍ نضيرٍ ما له ثمرُ

And do not let him deceive you if his outward appearance is pleasing,

And do not be deceived if his appearance pleases you,

for many a verdant, spreading tree bears no fruit.

For many a barren date palm has no fruit.