M6:2375 — یک حکایت بشنو اینجا ای پسر / تا نگردی ممتحن اندر هنر

Translation: Listen here to a tale, O son, So that you are not put to the test (momtaḥan) in your cleverness (honar). Meaning: This verse invites the reader to pay heed to a story, the purpose of which is to prevent them from falling into the traps of misguided cunning or being afflicted by the misuse of their skills—a lesson in distinguishing true wisdom from mere shrewdness.

This verse serves as the gateway to one of the Masnavi's didactic tales, a story that Mowlana introduces with the imperative, 'Listen' (Beshno). This particular 'Listen,' however, differs somewhat from the 'Listen to this reed' at the Masnavi's outset, which calls us to an almost prophetic utterance from Mowlana himself. Here, the invitation is to attend to a 'tale' (ḥikāyat), one designed to save the listener from a significant affliction: 'So that you are not put to the test (momtaḥan) in your cleverness (honar).'

Honar here, as I understand it, does not merely signify virtue or skill in a general sense, but rather points more precisely to 'shrewdness' (zīrakī) and 'the application of technique' (fan). Mowlana warns us that such cleverness, if misapplied or improperly utilized, can become a source of hardship and entanglement. To be momtaḥan means to be tried, tested, afflicted, or put through hardship. Thus, the purpose of hearing this tale is to safeguard one from the snares of improper shrewdness.

A crucial point here lies in expanding the meaning of honar. I have previously noted the correspondence between the Persian honar and the Italian virtù in Machiavelli's philosophy. This term, rooted in vir (man), refers to masculine virtues and capabilities. Its translation into Persian as honar is a precise choice made by our scholars. This connection suggests that honar here is not merely a technical skill but a quality of intelligence and capability that, if not accompanied by true insight, can lead its possessor into trouble. The ensuing story of the three travelers—the Muslim, the Christian, and the Jew—is meant to illuminate precisely this point: how worldly cleverness and self-conceit can obscure the truth and become a source of trial and affliction.

Therefore, this verse is not merely a narrative preamble but itself contains a profound ethical and epistemological teaching: be cautious that your virtues and intelligence, in the absence of genuine wisdom, do not lead you astray, lest you become momtaḥan in your own honar.

Key takeaways

• The verse is an invitation to heed a tale that offers practical wisdom and warns against misguided cleverness.
• Honar here refers to cleverness or skill, which, if applied without true insight, can become a source of affliction.
• To be momtaḥan signifies being put to the test and suffering hardship due to the improper use of one's abilities.
• This couplet emphasizes the distinction between mere practical intelligence and genuine, discerning wisdom.
• The story of the three travelers serves as an example of how self-conceit and worldly cunning can lead to entanglement and trial.