Deep Commentary

In this verse, the Buddha highlights a common psychological affliction of sentient beings. Advising or admonishing others stems from a wholesome mind. Naturally, such actions resonate with virtuous people, because good individuals want everyone to be ethical and virtuous like themselves. Conversely, this often draws the resentment and jealousy of unwholesome people, who prefer companions who share their negative traits. Good people are frequently targeted by the wicked. However, we must remember that a wicked person trying to harm a virtuous one is like spitting at the sky; the spit does not reach heaven but falls back onto their own face. It is also like throwing dust against the wind; the dust only blows back onto the thrower. Moral individuals cannot genuinely harmonize with the immoral. Virtuous friends are rare, whereas unwholesome companions are easily found. Associating with good friends brings peace of mind, but the wicked rarely leave us in peace. Motivated by jealousy, they may use any means, including division and slander, to break up a good friendship. Because virtuous people are often gentle, they can easily fall prey to such divisive schemes. When advising a friend, we must exercise skill and tact, as the person being corrected may feel self-conscious or defensive. Our care in using gentle words is not out of fear of the wicked, but out of wisdom. We must safeguard our minds even more carefully than we would protect ourselves from a venomous snake. If a poisonous snake bites us, it only ends this physical life. But if we fail to practice patience against the malice of the wicked and react with anger, we create unwholesome karma, leading to suffering in both this life and many future existences. Thus, this verse contrasts two types of people: the virtuous, who rejoice when someone is guided away from wrong, and the wicked, who plot harm behind one's back. The wicked can be highly deceptive, wearing a friendly smile on the outside while harboring malice within. They may act extremely polite and charming, getting close to someone precisely to exploit or harm them. In summary, this teaching applies to both monastics and lay practitioners, warning us to understand human psychology and to be mindful in our associations and in how we offer counsel.