Couplet 151
As earth bears up the men who delve into her breast,
To bear with scornful men of virtues is the best
Explanation
To bear with those who revile us, just as the earth bears up those who dig it, is the first of virtues
Couplet 152
Forgiving trespasses is good always;
Forgetting them hath even higher praise;
Explanation
Bear with reproach even when you can retaliate; but to forget it will be still better than that
Couplet 153
The sorest poverty is bidding guest unfed depart;
The mightiest might to bear with men of foolish heart
Explanation
To neglect hospitality is poverty of poverty To bear with the ignorant is might of might
Couplet 154
Seek'st thou honour never tarnished to retain;
So must thou patience, guarding evermore, maintain
Explanation
If you desire that greatness should never leave, you preserve in your conduct the exercise of patience
Couplet 155
Who wreak their wrath as worthless are despised;
Who patiently forbear as gold are prized
Explanation
(The wise) will not at all esteem the resentful They will esteem the patient just as the gold which they lay up with care
Couplet 156
Who wreak their wrath have pleasure for a day;
Who bear have praise till earth shall pass away
Explanation
The pleasure of the resentful continues for a day The praise of the patient will continue until (the final destruction of) the world
Couplet 157
Though others work thee ill, thus shalt thou blessing reap;
Grieve for their sin, thyself from vicious action keep
Explanation
Though others inflict injuries on you, yet compassionating the evil (that will come upon them) it will be well not to do them anything contrary to virtue
Couplet 158
With overweening pride when men with injuries assail,
By thine own righteous dealing shalt thou mightily prevail
Explanation
Let a man by patience overcome those who through pride commit excesses
Couplet 159
They who transgressors' evil words endure
With patience, are as stern ascetics pure
Explanation
Those who bear with the uncourteous speech of the insolent are as pure as the ascetics
Couplet 160
Though 'great' we deem the men that fast and suffer pain,
Who others' bitter words endure, the foremost place obtain
Explanation
Those who endure abstinence from food are great, next to those who endure the uncourteous speech of others
