In misfortune, in error, and when the time appointed for certain affairs is about to elapse, a servant who hath his master's welfare at heart ought to speak unasked.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Real loyalty sometimes means warning someone without waiting to be invited, especially when they are making a mistake, facing trouble or running out of time.

What the words are saying

The servant-and-master language describes a relationship with unequal authority. Normally the less powerful person might wait for permission to advise the other. The sentence identifies situations where that silence would be harmful: misfortune, error and an approaching deadline. Caring about another person's welfare therefore requires more than obediently agreeing with them. It may require a timely, unwelcome warning. 'Speak unasked' means raise the concern on your own initiative, not take over every decision or interfere whenever you disagree.

Everyday example

A junior colleague notices that a report is about to be sent with a serious calculation error. They flag it before the deadline instead of remaining silent because the manager never asked for a review.

When to use it

Use this to explain constructive disagreement, responsible warnings or why a loyal colleague should sometimes challenge a decision.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.