[2444] Fivefold, in the world, is the strength in a man grown great;
of these, the strength of arms (bāhu-bala) is called the last of strengths;
and the strength of wealth (bhoga-bala), O long-lived one, is called the second strength.
The strength of counsellors (amacca-bala), O long-lived one, is called the third strength;
and the strength of high birth (abhijacca-bala) — that, beyond doubt, is the fourth;
and all of these the wise man makes his own.
Best among strengths, supreme and excellent, is the strength of wisdom (paññā-bala);
buttressed by the strength of wisdom, the wise man attains his welfare.
Even if a dullard gains the rich and most excellent earth,
another takes possession of it, even by force, against his will.
Though one be nobly born, a khattiya who has gained a kingdom,
if weak in wisdom, O lord of Kāsi, he cannot subsist even by means of it all.
Wisdom is the judge of what has been learned; wisdom makes (fame and) repute increase;
the man endowed with wisdom here finds happiness (even) amid suffering (dukkha).
But no one attains wisdom who is unwilling to listen,
who does not resort to one of great learning (bahussuta) who stands firm in the Dhamma,
and who does not discriminate (the meaning).
And he who knows the analysis of things (dhamma), who rises betimes and is unwearied,
who exerts himself at the proper time — for him the fruit of his work succeeds.
For one whose ways lie in what is no proper sphere, who resorts to what is no proper sphere,
who does his work as one grown weary, his good does not rightly ripen.
But for one who applies himself inwardly, who resorts to just such a proper sphere,
who does his work unwearied, his good rightly ripens.
What is reckoned as application and endeavor, and the guarding of what has been amassed —
these things, dear father, do you pursue; do not let them come to ruin through inaction;
for by inaction the man of weak wisdom sinks like a house of reeds.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.