Story 2

A merchant suffered a loss of a thousand dinars. He told his son: 'You must not mention this to anyone.' The son replied: 'Father, your command holds; I will say nothing. But I would like to understand the benefit of it: what is the wisdom in keeping it secret?' The father said: 'So the misfortune does not double: first the loss of the money, and second the gloating of the neighbors.' Do not tell your sorrow to your enemies, for they will sigh 'God help us' while rejoicing inside.