Daily Frameworks for 22 November 2025

Jalál, 01 Qawl (Speech), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

Thou hast written that one of the friends hath composed a treatise. This was mentioned in the Holy Presence, and this is what was revealed in response: Great care should be exercised that whatever is written in these days doth not cause dissension, and invite the objection of the people. Whatever the friends of the one true God say in these days is listened to by the people of the world. It hath been revealed in the Lawḥ-i-Ḥikmat: “The unbelievers have inclined their ears towards Us in order to hear that which might enable them to cavil against God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.” Whatever is written should not transgress the bounds of tact and wisdom, and in the words used there should lie hid the property of milk, so that the children of the world may be nurtured therewith, and attain maturity. We have said in the past that one word hath the influence of spring and causeth hearts to become fresh and verdant, while another is like unto blight which causeth the blossoms and flowers to wither. God grant that authors among the friends will write in such a way as would be acceptable to fair-minded souls, and not lead to cavilling by the people. ¹ — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Question for Consideration

From a Bahá’í perspective, how can one honestly expresses one’s truth with the written word, yet not transgress the bounds of tact and wisdom?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

To honestly express one’s truth in writing from a Bahá’í perspective, while remaining within the bounds of tact and wisdom, involves a conscious effort to write in a spirit that promotes unity, nurtures understanding, and avoids unnecessary conflict or controversy. Bahá’u’lláh clearly states that “whatever is written should not transgress the bounds of tact and wisdom, and in the words used there should lie hid the property of milk, so that the children of the world may be nurtured therewith, and attain maturity.” He warns that one word can cause hearts to flourish, while another can act as blight, withering the flowers of human interaction. [1]

Foundations: Truth, Unity, and Nurturing

Bahá’í teachings emphasize that expressing truth is not merely about stating facts or inner feelings but also about the cultivation of a context that allows the audience to grow, reflect, and develop. Tact and wisdom are not constraints on honesty but essential ingredients that make what is true also constructive and healing. “Thoughts are a boundless sea… not until the sea boils up will the waves rise and scatter their pearls of knowledge on the shore of life”. This imagery invites the writer to consider both the content and the effect of their words: Does this contribute to unity? Does it nourish and uplift? [1]

Tact and Wisdom in Writing

Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá consistently counsel that what is written and spoken should “not cause dissension, and invite the objection of the people.” Writings should “not lead to cavilling by the people,” but rather be “acceptable to fair-minded souls.” This requires the author to consider the language, tone, and framing of every idea: [1]

• Reflect before writing: Is this expression likely to heal or to wound?
• Avoid polemical or divisive language, even when discussing difficult topics.
• Present criticism, if truly necessary, in a way that helps to correct, uplift, and bring understanding rather than blame.
• Use metaphors and imagery that nurture, like “milk,” as Bahá’u’lláh counsels, so that even strong truths can be received and digested gently.[1]
  

Honesty Without Harm

One does not need to hide or compromise one’s convictions, but should articulate them in ways that foster collective growth, not alienation. The Bahá’í approach suggests:

• Aim to “raise consciousness without awakening the insistent self, to disseminate insight without cultivating a sense of celebrity, to address issues profoundly but not court controversy, to remain clear in expression but not descend to crassness prevalent in common discourse”. [1]
• Be “anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and centre your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements,” ensuring relevancy and usefulness. [1]
• Engage in consultation with others before sharing widely, ensuring serious or sensitive topics have been considered from multiple perspectives. [1]
  

When Disagreement Arises

If what is written nonetheless draws objection or causes division, Bahá’í teachings recommend consultation and a continued commitment to learning. The purpose of writing is not personal vindication, but service to humanity and the promotion of unity and understanding. [1]

Conclusion

In summary, the path to honest, tactful, and wise expression in the Bahá’í context is to serve truth by fostering unity, nurturing souls, and ensuring every word is weighted with care for its impact on the reader and the wider community. This approach does not diminish honesty; it elevates it by making it a tool for collective advancement and peace. [1]

Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity

To further one’s understanding about how to express truth with tact and wisdom in Bahá’í writing, several deeper questions may be explored:

Questions on Guidance and Principles

• What are other examples from Bahá’í writings or history where tact and wisdom in expression were specifically commended or discussed, and how were these principles applied in context? [1]
• How do the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh distinguish between healthy constructive criticism and destructive dissent? [1]
• What practical tools or spiritual practices are recommended in the Bahá’í Faith to help individuals reflect before writing or speaking? [1]
  

Questions on Application in Community Life

• How does the process of Bahá’í consultation inform the way written expressions should be shared within the community? [1]
• What role do assemblies or institutions play in advising or guiding individuals who are preparing to write or publish on sensitive topics? [1]
• How should Bahá’ís respond if their writing causes controversy or misunderstanding, even if unintended? [1]
  

Questions on Impact and Communication

• What are the qualities of writing that “nurture” or “uplift” according to the Bahá’í Writings, and how can writers recognize these in their own work? [1]
• How can writers balance clarity and boldness with the need for gentleness and sensitivity, especially when addressing controversial or urgent issues? [1]
• What examples exist of writings that have successfully promoted unity and maturity among readers, and what made them effective? [1]
  

Questions on Contemporary Relevance

• How might these principles apply to modern forms of expression, such as social media, blogs, or public commentary? [1]
• In what ways can Bahá’ís work collectively to foster a culture of constructive discourse and prevent the spread of divisive or harsh expression in community spaces? [1]
  

Exploring these questions can help deepen understanding of how to translate the Bahá’í spiritual principles of tact, wisdom, and unity-building into practical action in individual and community life. [1]

Citations

[1] Social Action-A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice August 2020 – Bahá’í Reference Library

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865687. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Bahá’í Sacred Writings.” Bahá’í Reference Library, July 2025. https://www.bahai.org/r/486498432. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Expressing Truth with Tact and Wisdom.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 20, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/thou-hast-written-that-one-of-6FIMvgydR_eW4ysLLzgAhA#0. ↩