Possessed of four qualities, one can be considered a good person. What four?

Possessed of four qualities, one can be considered 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, hesitation and in brief he dispraises the other person. 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, willingly and in full, he praises the other person.

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 or hesitation and in full he speaks of what is to his own discredit. 

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, unwillingly and in brief he speaks of what is to his own credit. 

This is the meaning of the saying: ‘This person is good.’

Anguttara Nikaya. II,77