Speak as If the Beloved Were Listening, Because He Is

Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa

The shabad closes in two steps: forgiveness, and then a way of speaking.

First comes the wedding gift. Sabhay gunah bakhsaa-ay — all her faults are forgiven. All of them, the whole list. The One is maylanhaar, the Uniter, and His very name says what He does. He does not join halves. Anything that would keep the union from being whole, He simply cancels.

Then comes the closing advice: naanak aakhan aakhee-ai jay sun dharay pi-aar — speak such words that, hearing them, He holds you in love. Every word we say is said where He can hear it. The shabad does not end with a lesson to learn, but with a way to live. Speak as if the Beloved is listening, because He is. Think of talking on the phone to someone you love. You choose your words with care and warmth.