Is it permissible to say "One of the righteous said" when referring to a person known for righteousness, knowing that some people may appear righteous while they are not?

It is permissible to say "So-and-so is righteous" about someone whose outward appearance indicates righteousness. The permissibility of this is supported by the narration of Ka'b ibn Malik in al-Bukhari, where two men were described as "righteous." However, it is preferable and better to say: "We consider him among the righteous" or similar phrases that do not imply certainty, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "If one of you must praise his brother, let him say: 'I consider so-and-so to be so-and-so, and Allah is his reckoner, and I do not purify anyone before Allah; I consider him such and such,' if he knows that about him." The meaning of "I consider him" (أحسبه) is "I suppose him," and Allah is the One who reckons him and knows his secret.