That Which Is Worth Bringing

If you're lugging a heavy bag,

don't fail to look inside it

to see whether what is inside is bitter or sweet.

If it's really worth bringing along, bring it;

otherwise, empty your sack

and redeem yourself from fruitless effort and disgrace.

Only put into your sack

that which is worth bringing to a righteous sovereign.

... Mathnawi IV: 1574-1577, Mevlana Rumi