608. One should diligently practice virtue in this Buddha’s path. Here in this world, well practiced virtue brings all success.
609. A wise person should practice virtue desiring three types of happiness: praise, the gaining of wealth, and rejoicing in heaven after death.
610. By his restrained life, a virtuous person acquires many friends. But the unvirtuous person is separated from his friends because of his evil actions.
611. The unvirtuous person only gains a bad reputation and blame. The virtuous person always gains a good reputation, fame and praise.
612. Virtue is the foundation and base for wholesome qualities. Virtue is like a mother for all good qualities. Virtue is the foremost of all good qualities. Therefore, one should make one’s virtue pure.
613. The mind is like the great ocean. Virtue is like its beach. Virtue, the dock of merit of all Buddhas, gives joy and restraint. Therefore, one should make one’s virtue pure.
614. Virtue is an incomparable power. Virtue is the supreme weapon. Virtue is the best ornament. Virtue is a marvelous armour.
615. Virtue is a very mighty bridge. Virtue is an unsurpassed perfume. Virtue is the best scent which spreads in all directions.
616. Virtue is the supreme food for the journey. Virtue is the foremost source of wealth for a journey. Virtue is the best vehicle in which one can travel in all directions.
617. An evil person gets blamed in this world and after death he has to suffer having being born in hell. That fool falls into suffering everywhere due to lack of virtue and an unstill mind.
618. A well behaved person obtains fame in this world and after death is happy in heaven. That wise, energetic person is happy everywhere due to his virtuous behavior and a perfectly still mind.
619. Virtue is great in this Dhamma path but wisdom is the greatest. One can achieve victory among humans and gods through one’s virtue and wisdom.
These verses were said by Arahant Sīlava.
