Wealth

Poem : 651

The good external help confers is worldly gain;
By action good men every needed gift obtain.

Explanation :
The efficacy of support will yield (only) wealth; (but) the efficacy of action will yield all that is desired.

Poem : 652

From action evermore thyself restrain
Of glory and of good that yields no gain.

Explanation :
Ministers should at all times avoid acts which, in addition to fame, yield no benefit (for the future).

Poem : 653

Who tell themselves that nobler things shall yet be won
All deeds that dim the light of glory must they shun.

Explanation :
Those who say, "we will become (better)" should avoid the performance of acts that would destroy (their fame).

Poem : 654

Though troubles press, no shameful deed they do,
Whose eyes the ever-during vision view.

Explanation :
Those who have infallible judgement though threatened with peril will not do acts which have brought disgrace (on former ministers).

Poem : 655

Do nought that soul repent ing must deplore,
If thou hast sinned, 'tis well if thou dost sin no more.

Explanation :
Let a minister never do acts of which he would have to grieve saying, "what is this I have done"; (but) should he do (them), it were good that he grieved not.

Poem : 656

Though her that bore thee hung'ring thou behold, no deed
Do thou, that men of perfect soul have crime decreed.

Explanation :
Though a minister may see his mother starve; let him do not act which the wise would (treat with contempt).

Poem : 657

Than store of wealth guilt-laden souls obtain,
The sorest poverty of perfect soul is richer gain.

Explanation :
Far more excellent is the extreme poverty of the wise than wealth obtained by heaping up of sinful deeds.

Poem : 658

To those who hate reproof and do forbidden thing.
What prospers now, in after days shall anguish bring.

Explanation :
The actions of those, who have not desisted from doing deeds forbidden (by the great), will, even if they succeed, cause them sorrow.

Poem : 659

What's gained through tears with tears shall go;
From loss good deeds entail harvests of blessings grow.

Explanation :
All that has been obtained with tears (to the victim) will depart with tears (to himself);but what has been by fair means; though with loss at first, will afterwards yield fruit.

Poem : 660

In pot of clay unburnt he water pours and would retain,
Who seeks by wrong the realm in wealth and safety to maintain.

Explanation :
(For a minister) to protect (his king) with wealth obtained by foul means is like preserving a vessel of wet clay by filling it with water.