The Second Part of the Counsel

The second part concerns the conduct that you must both uphold and firmly adhere to:

Honoring One’s Brother

Each of you must treat his brother with sincerity and honor, show consideration for him in private and in public, and remain mindful of him in his absence and presence.

The Younger Brother’s Affection for the Elder

Let the elder of you show compassion toward his brother, hasten to do everything he loves, support him in what he prefers, and graciously yield to him in everything he desires.

The Younger Brother’s Respect for the Elder

Let the younger of you give his brother precedence over himself and honor him in every matter by deferring to his judgment, following him in private and in public, and regarding his words and actions as sound.

Offering Counsel with Kindness

If, while among others, he notices something objectionable in what his brother wishes to do, or perceives an error in what he intends, he must not display his disapproval or openly declare his error before the gathering. Rather, he should explain it to him when the two of them are alone, speaking gently. If his brother returns to the truth, all is well; otherwise, he should follow his brother’s judgment, for the harm that disagreement between you would cause is greater than the harm feared from an error on which you remain united—unless the error concerns a matter of religion. If it concerns a matter of religion, then the truth must be followed wherever it may be found. He should persist in advising and correcting his brother as far as he is able, without ceasing to honor and respect him.