1. وما ظاهرٌ يوماً بأَمنٍ وراحةٍ

    سِوى من أحبَّ الإِختلاءَ مدى العُمرِ

    And none ever appears safe and at ease,

    save one who has loved seclusion throughout life.

  2. ولا ناطقٌ في الناسِ من دونِ خَشيةٍ

    سِوى من يَوَدُّ الصمتَ بالسرِ والجَهرِ

    Nor does anyone speak among people without fear,

    save one who loves silence in private and in public.

  3. ولا حازمٌ نالَ الرئاسةَ آمِناً

    سِوى خاضعٍ من دُونِ عَسفٍ ولا قهرِ

    Nor has a prudent man safely attained leadership,

    save one who submits without oppression or coercion.

  4. ولا آمرٌ بالأَمنِ إلا محنَّكٌ

    تَعَلَّمَ أَن يَنقادَ للنَهيِ والأَمرِ

    Nor does anyone command in safety, save a seasoned man

    who has learned to obey prohibitions and commands.

  5. ولا ناصح يؤثر نصحه

    سوى عاملٍ في علمهِ كامل البر

    Nor does any adviser's counsel take effect,

    save one who acts upon his knowledge, perfect in righteousness.