From the Morals: An Open Countenance

The questioner : An open countenance, this too, is an open countenance. It is among the noble morals. For example, should I keep my countenance open to every person, even if he is one of the greatest of criminals?

The Shaykh : Yes, or according to the situation, according to the situation. Keep your countenance open in six out of nine cases. In six out of nine, and what does this mean? Yes, it means in two-thirds, and leave the third to what the situation requires. Let your demeanor be an open countenance; that is the best thing. It draws people to you, and people love you and are able to confide in you the secrets they confide. But if you are frowning and biting your lower lip, people will be afraid of you and will not be able to speak with you. But if the situation requires that you not keep your countenance open, then do so. For this reason, a person is not blamed for frowning absolutely, nor is he praised for leaving it off absolutely.