Emotions flare up for two reasons: either for joy or for inner pain. Therefore, when one contains occasion, he is likely to achieve peace and tranquility, happiness and comfort, and the taste of triumph over his own self. God described man as being exultant and boastful, irritable, discontented when evils touches him, and niggardly when good touches him. The exceptions, God informed us, are those who remain constant in prayer. For they are on a middle path in times of both joy and sorrow. They are thankful during times of ease and are patient during times of hardship. Unbridled emotions can greatly wear a person out, causing pain and loss of sleep. When such a person becomes angry, he flares up, threatens others, loses all self-control, and surpasses the boundaries of justice and balance. Meanwhile, if he becomes happy, he is in a state of rapture and wilderness. In his intoxication of joy, he forgets himself and surpasses the bounds of modesty. When he renounces and relinquishes the company of others, he disparages them, forgetting their virtues while stamping out their good qualities. On the other hand, if he loves others, then he spares no pains in according them all forms of veneration and honor, portraying them as being the pinnacles of perfection.
