Long is the wandering in the round of rebirths for the foolish, not understanding the Good Teaching.

One should firmly pursue the solitary life, there is no companionship with a fool.

Indeed, oneself is not one's own, whence sons, whence wealth?

But a fool who thinks himself wise, he indeed is called "a fool".

He does not know the Teaching, just as a ladle the flavour of curry.

He quickly knows the Teaching, just as the tongue the flavour of curry.

Doing evil action, which has bitter fruit.

The result of which one experiences with tearful face, weeping.

The result of which one experiences delighted, glad at heart.

But when evil ripens, the fool undergoes suffering.

He is not worth a sixteenth fraction of those who have comprehended the Dhamma.

Burning, it follows the fool, like fire covered with ashes.

It destroys the fool's bright portion, splitting his head asunder.

And supremacy in residences, and veneration among other families.

Let them be under my control alone, in whatever duties or non-duties;

Such is the thought of a fool, desire and conceit grow.

Having understood this thus, a monk, a disciple of the Buddha;

Should not delight in honour, but should cultivate seclusion.