A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

12: Trust
Jā 448 Kukkuṭajātakaṁ
Do not Trust the Untrustworthy
A hawk preys on chickens until only the
Bodhisatta is left. He tries to lure him out with
kind words, but the Bodhisatta resists, not placing
his trust in a natural enemy.
221. Nāsmase katapāpamhi, nāsmase alikavādine,
Nāsmas' attatthapaññamhi, atisante pi nāsmase.
Do not trust one who is wicked,
Do not trust one who speaks falsely,
Do not trust one who is selfish,
Or he who makes a show of peace.
222. Bhavanti heke purisā gopipāsikajātikā,
Ghasanti maññe mittāni, vācāya na ca kammunā.
Some of the people are as though
Descended from thirsty cattle,
They satisfy their friends, I think,
With words, but not with their actions.
154