[265] Bhikkhus, abandon the unwholesome (akusala). Bhikkhus, it is possible to abandon the unwholesome. If, bhikkhus, it were not possible to abandon the unwholesome, I would not say thus: 'Bhikkhus, abandon the unwholesome.' But because, bhikkhus, it is possible to abandon the unwholesome, therefore I say thus: 'Bhikkhus, abandon the unwholesome.' And if, bhikkhus, this unwholesome, when abandoned, led to harm and to suffering (dukkha), I would not say thus: 'Bhikkhus, abandon the unwholesome.' But because, bhikkhus, the unwholesome, when abandoned, leads to welfare and to happiness, therefore I say thus: 'Bhikkhus, abandon the unwholesome.'
Bhikkhus, develop the wholesome (kusala). Bhikkhus, it is possible to develop the wholesome. If, bhikkhus, it were not possible to develop the wholesome, I would not say thus: 'Bhikkhus, develop the wholesome.' But because, bhikkhave, it is possible to develop the wholesome, therefore I say thus: 'Bhikkhus, develop the wholesome.' And if, bhikkhus, this wholesome, when developed, led to harm and to suffering, I would not say thus: 'Bhikkhus, develop the wholesome.' But because, bhikkhus, the wholesome, when developed, leads to welfare and to happiness, therefore I say thus: 'Bhikkhus, develop the wholesome.'
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.