What are the three rules before you speak?
The great Sufi poet, Rumi, believed that before we speak our words should pass through three gates.
- At the first gate, ask yourself, “Is it true?”
- At the second gate ask, “Is it necessary?”
- At the third gate ask, “Is it kind?”
““Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticise, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.””