God's purpose for man is to acquire a seeing eye and an understanding heart.
I learned that every mortal will taste death. But only some will taste life.
Iron was black and sheenless, but cleansing and polishing washed away its blackness.
What the sayer of praise is really praising is himself, by saying implicitly, My eyes are clear." Likewise, someone who criticizes is criticizing himself, saying implicitly, "I can't see very well with my eyes so inflamed.
Till man destroys "self" he is no true friend of God.
Brother, stand the pain. Escape the poison of your impulses. The sky will bow to your beauty, if you do. Learn to light the candle. Rise with the sun. Turn away from the cave of your sleeping. That way a thorn expands to a rose.