M6:1598 — هین مشو شارع در آن حرف رشد / که سخن زو مر سخن را می‌کشد

Translation: Beware, do not be the initiator of that word of growth, For speech, by its very nature, pulls forth more speech. Meaning: Rumi cautions against initiating discourse, even when the initial words are wise and beneficial, because speech inherently begets more speech, potentially leading to unintended errors or excessive talk.

This verse, to my mind, encapsulates a profound warning from Rumi against the perils of excessive speech, even when the initial words are good and edifying. I have often emphasized that Rumi's chosen pen-name, Khamoosh (Silent), was not born of modesty but of deep wisdom. He believed, as this verse clearly states, that speech generates more speech; one utterance inevitably draws forth another. It is as if a spring initially yields pure, clear water, but if left unchecked, it can become turbid, and inappropriate or even nonsensical words might flow forth.

Rumi's insight here aligns perfectly with the well-known Arabic proverb, "al-kalām yajurru al-kalām" (speech pulls speech). Furthermore, it resonates with the prophetic tradition that states, "man kathura kalāmuhu kathura khaṭaʾuhu" (whoever speaks much, errs much). This is a psychological reality: no one can maintain absolute intellectual control over their tongue at all times. There are moments when, it seems, the blood does not quite reach the brain, and insubstantial words pour forth.

So Rumi advises, "Beware, do not be the initiator of that word of growth," meaning, do not be the one to start, even when the speech is good and beneficial. This is a caution to master our words. Once speech leaves the mouth, its control becomes difficult. This verse, contrary to its appearance, is not an invitation to absolute silence, but rather an invitation to contemplation and measured speech. Only one who is "infallible in the path of God's revelation" can speak without fear, for the source of their words is always pure and free from error. But for us, who are not infallible, this rule prevails: do not open the tongue easily, lest speech pull speech and lead us into the abyss of error and nonsense.

Key takeaways

• The Peril of Excessive Speech: Even well-intentioned words can lead to unintended error or verbosity.
• "Speech Pulls Speech": Discourse has a momentum of its own, generating a chain of words difficult to control once initiated.
• The Necessity of Measured Discourse: Ordinary individuals cannot always maintain complete intellectual command over their speech; thus, contemplation before speaking is essential.
• Rumi's Self-Admonition: This verse aligns with Rumi's pen-name, Khamoosh (Silent), emphasizing the need for self-restraint in expression.
• The Exception to the Rule: Only the 'infallible' are exempt from this warning, as their words are consistently pure and divinely guided.