ETHICS · DHAMMAPADA 262
Before You Act
An envious greedy, dishonest man does not become respectable by means of much talking only, or by the beauty of his complexion.
Dhammapada 262 · Chapter 19, The Just · trans. F. Max Müller · Read the full text at Project Gutenberg
Reflection
The verse begins, “An envious greedy, dishonest man does not become respectable by means of much talking only, or….” In its chapter, this image points toward justice as conduct rather than status. Its value is practical when it changes how you meet one choice, relationship, or difficult feeling today. Because this is a historic English translation, test the teaching in experience rather than treating its wording as a demand for belief.
Practice prompt
What promise to yourself deserves to be kept?