إن كان لفظي كريهاً فاصطبر فعلى

كره العلاج يصحُّ اللَهُ أبدانا

If my words seem harsh, have patience, for

Unpleasant medicine restores health to our bodies.

لولا العوارضُ ما طاب العتابُ لنا

لولا قصارتنا للثوب ما زانا

Were it not for tribulations, reproach would not taste sweet to us,

Were we not so short, clothes would not adorn us.

إني أُعاتب إخواني وهم ثقتي

طوراً وقد تُصقَل الأسياف أحيانا

Sometimes I reproach my brothers, though they are my confidence,

At times when swords are being sharpened.

هي الذنوب إذا ما كُشِّفَت درسَت

من القلوب وإلا صِرنَ أضغانا

Sins, when exposed, are erased

From hearts, otherwise they become grudges.