Kabeerdaas ji is categorized as a saint but his thoughts and compositions are not confined to religion, spirituality, meditation and bhajans alone.  He also deals with worldly life – the character and behaviour of individuals; practices (and malpractices) rampant in society; evils of caste system which divides people into ‘high’ and ‘low’ classes, etc.  He also goes in depth in denouncing superstitions and hypocrisy prevalent in practice of religions and sects in general.  He considers them as obstructions in the way of health, peace and happiness of society.  We should take all these things into account if we want to understand and interpret Kabeerdaas ji’s poetry correctly.

— Kusum Banthia

हिन्दी में पढ़िये

साधु भया तो क्या भया , बोले नाहिं बिचार ।
हतै पराई आतमा , जीभ बाँधि तरवार ।।

Saadhu bhayaa to kyaa bhayaa, bole naahin bichaar
Hatai paraai aatamaa, jeebh baandhi taravaar

According to Kabeerdaas ji, if a sadhu says hurtful things without paying attention to feelings of other people, then there is no point in him being a monk. Just as a sword injures people’s bodies, bitter and harsh words hurt people’s feelings.
Kabeerdaas ji wants to make it clear that one does not become a monk simply by donning a monk’s habit. A sadhu should be gentle and calm by nature. People coming in contact with him should find peace and also the path of salvation with him. A person harsh in nature and in speech can never give solace and peace to others however learned or knowledgeable he might be. His becoming a monk holds no benefit for society.

मधुर बचन है औषधी , कटुक बचन है तीर ।
स्रवन द्वार ह्वै संचरै , साले सकल सरीर ।।

Madhur bachab hau aushadhii, katuk bachan hai teer
Sravan dwaar whai sanchare, saale sakal sareer

In this couplet too, Kabeerdaas ji is emphasizing the importance of gentle speech. He finds gentle speech therapeutic like a medicine. However sad or troubled a person might be, sweet and gentle words calm him down and help him overcome his sorrow. Harsh or bitter words on the contrary are painful like arrows. They go in through the ears and pierce the heart of people. This pain affects the whole body.
Kabeerdaas ji wanted peace and harmony in the society. For this, it is important that there are no quarrels and disputes between people. Therefore, it is imperative that their mutual communications are gentle and friendly.