Cattāri Brahmavihārā

97. Possessed of four qualities, one is understood as being a good person. What four?
Concerning this, the good person does not speak of what is to the discredit of another, even when asked. What then when unasked? If, however, on being questioned, he is required to speak, then with reserve he dispraises the other person, with hesitation and in brief. This is the meaning of the saying: “This person is good.”
Again, the good person, even when unasked, speaks of what is to the credit of another. What then when asked? If, however, on being questioned, he is required to speak, then without reserve he praises the other person without hesitation and in full. This is the meaning of the saying: “This person is good.”
Once again, the good person, even when unasked, speaks of what is to his own discredit. What then when asked? If, however, on being questioned, he is required to speak, then without reserve he speaks of what is to his own discredit without hesitation and in full. This is the meaning of the saying: “This person is good.”
Finally, the good person does not speak of what is to his own credit, even when asked. What then when unasked? If, however, on being questioned, he is required to speak, then with reserve he speaks of what is to his own credit, with hesitation and in brief. This is the meaning of the saying: “This person is good.”

Anguttara Nikaya II.78

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