The Sayings And Preaching of Al-Imam Ali (p.b.u.h)

Hadith n. 275

275. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: Greed takes a person to the watering place but gets him back without letting him drink. It undertakes responsibility but does not fulfil it. Often the drinker gets choked before the quenching of his thirst. The greater the worth of a thing yearned for the greater is the grief for its loss. Desires blind the eyes of understanding. The destined share will reach him who does not approach it.

Hadith n. 276

276. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: O My God, I seek Your protection from this that I may appear to be good in the eyes of the people whilst my inward self may be sinful before You, and that I may guard myself (from sins) only for show before the people although You are aware of all about me. Thus, I appear before the people in good shape although my evil deeds are placed before You. This means achieving nearness to Your creatures but remoteness from Your pleasure.

Hadith n. 277

277. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: I swear by Him Who let us pass the dark night after which there was a bright day that such and such 72 did not happen.

Hadith n. 278

278. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: A small action which is continued with regularity is more beneficial than a long one performed with disgust.

Source: https://www.al-islam.org/nahjul-balagha-part-2-letters-and-sayings