Couplet 421
True wisdom wards off woes, A circling fortress high;
Its inner strength man's eager foes Unshaken will defy
Explanation
Wisdom is a weapon to ward off destruction; it is an inner fortress which enemies cannot destroy
Couplet 422
Wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would;
From every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good
Explanation
Not to permit the mind to go where it lists, to keep it from evil, and to employ it in good, this is wisdom
Couplet 423
Though things diverse from divers sages' lips we learn,
'Tis wisdom's part in each the true thing to discern
Explanation
To discern the truth in every thing, by whomsoever spoken, is wisdom
Couplet 424
Wisdom hath use of lucid speech, words that acceptance win,
And subtle sense of other men's discourse takes in
Explanation
To speak so as that the meaning may easily enter the mind of the hearer, and to discern the subtlest thought which may lie hidden in the words of others, this is wisdom
Couplet 425
Wisdom embraces frank the world, to no caprice exposed;
Unlike the lotus flower, now opened wide, now petals strictly closed
Explanation
To secure the friendship of the great is true wisdom; it is (also) wisdom to keep (that friendship unchanged, and) not opening and closing (like the lotus flower)
Couplet 426
As dwells the world, so with the world to dwell
In harmony- this is to wisely live and well
Explanation
To live as the world lives, is wisdom
Couplet 427
The wise discern, the foolish fail to see,
And minds prepare for things about to be
Explanation
The wise are those who know beforehand what will happen; those who do not know this are the unwise
Couplet 428
Folly meets fearful ills with fearless heart;
To fear where cause of fear exists is wisdom's part
Explanation
Not to fear what ought to be feared, is folly; it is the work of the wise to fear what should be feared
Couplet 429
The wise with watchful soul who coming ills foresee;
From coming evil's dreaded shock are free
Explanation
No terrifying calamity will happen to the wise, who (foresee) and guard against coming evils
Couplet 430
The wise is rich, with ev'ry blessing blest;
The fool is poor, of everything possessed
Explanation
Those who possess wisdom, possess every thing; those who have not wisdom, whatever they may possess, have nothing
