[279] Standing to one side, the young deva (devaputta) Siva spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One:
One should associate only with the good (sabbhi); with the good one should form intimacy (santhava).
Having understood the true Dhamma (saddhamma) of the good, one becomes better, not worse.
One should associate only with the good; with the good one should form intimacy.
Having understood the true Dhamma of the good, one gains wisdom¹ — and from no other.
One should associate only with the good; with the good one should form intimacy.
Having understood the true Dhamma of the good, one does not sorrow in the midst of sorrow.
One should associate only with the good; with the good one should form intimacy.
Having understood the true Dhamma of the good, one shines in the midst of one's relatives.
One should associate only with the good; with the good one should form intimacy.
Having understood the true Dhamma of the good, beings go to a good destination (sugati).
One should associate only with the good; with the good one should form intimacy.
Having understood the true Dhamma of the good, beings abide in comfort.
¹ Ma. (Burmese) and Yu. (European) editions read *paññā labbhati*: "wisdom is obtained."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.