Are you beautiful? This beauty is a gift from your parents. Can you walk with pride during your youth, even without a job? That strength and security come from your parents. Are you educated? It’s because your parents were aware and chose to educate you. They made sacrifices so you could enjoy life. So, where is your achievement in all this? Even if there is any, it’s very little. Your beauty, wealth, and certificates are merely an extension of what your ancestors have passed down to you.
But do you treat people well, speak with a smile, and keep your promises? If yes, then you are truly enriched. This beauty of character is yours alone. It is entirely personal. Even if your family didn’t teach you these values, you can still acquire them if you wish. People might even praise your parents after seeing your good manners. Your humility can make people think you come from a good family. Why tarnish this respect by treating others poorly? Never do that.
Speak to people with a smile. Behave politely. Give others the respect they deserve. You’ll see—people will regard you as divine. Most people don’t want favors or gains from you. They simply desire fair treatment driven by your conscience. They long for respect. When they’re in trouble, they seek the shade of your support and the warmth of your sincerity. They want to remember you as a good person with reverence. Never be stingy with your good behavior.
One day, you will leave everything behind. Beauty, wealth, or power—nothing will accompany you. If people feel a sense of loss when you are gone, if they grieve the departure of a good person, then you will earn their prayers. And those prayers will go with you. The power of people’s heartfelt prayers is immense. The respect that comes from someone’s heart is precious—preserve it. Offering honest advice to someone, extending a helping hand in their time of need, or being a source of comfort in their bad times—these are enough to make a human life a noble one. We have seen examples of people leading dog-like lives despite having heaps of wealth.
Focus on enhancing your inner beauty rather than just your physical appearance. A person with a beautiful heart sees a beautiful world. You can see the color of someone’s skin, but can you see the color of their heart? You can. People understand and measure you through your words, actions, and behavior. They can tell your past and often accurately predict your future. Even if it is just for appearance’s sake, treat people well. Your smile can mask countless shortcomings. Your good behavior can bring honor to your family. Your behavior reflects what kind of family you come from.
Do at least one extra good deed every day. At the end of the year, your good deeds will elevate you beyond your expectations. Nature will honor you at the peak of your virtuous actions. Beauty, wealth, or education—none of these will matter if your heart is not pure. Never be part of anything that allows others to curse you behind your back. People drag innocent mothers and sisters into vile language when they curse you. Every day, try to improve a little. If today does not paint a picture of progress compared to yesterday, who knows how long you will have to wait for salvation—only the Creator knows. Turn toward the Creator before your time runs out.
