th amongst themselves, dismiss all grounds of
quarrel and uniting with one another set themselves to their (sinful)
tasks, depending upon truth. If they behaved falsely towards one another,
they would then be destroyed without doubt. One should not take what
belongs to others. That is an eternal obligation. Powerful men regard it
as one that has been introduced by the weak. When, however, the destiny
of these men becomes adverse, this injunction then meets with their
approval. Then again they that surpass others in strength or prowess do
not necessarily become happy.[1119] Therefore, do not ever set thy heart
on any act that is wrong. One behaving in this way hath no fear of
dishonest men or thieves or the king. Not having done any injury to any
one, such a man lives fearlessly and with a pure heart. A thief fears
everybody, like a deer driven from the woods into the midst of an
inhabited village. He thinks other people to be as sinful as himself. One
that is of pure heart is always filled with cheerfulness and hath no fear
from any direction. Such a person never sees his own misconduct in
others.[1120] Persons engaged in doing good to all creatures have said
that the practice of charity is another high duty. They that are
possessed of wealth think that this duty has been laid down by those that
are indigent. When, however, those wealthy men meet with poverty in
consequence of some turn of fortune, the practice of charity then
recommends itself to them. Men that are exceedingly wealthy do not
necessarily meet with happiness.[1121] Knowing how painful it is to
himself, a person should never do that to others which he dislikes when
done to him by others.[1122] What can one who becomes the lover of
another man's wife say to another man (guilty of the same transgression)?
It is seen, however, that even such a one, when he sees his lady with
another lover, becomes unable to forgive the act.[1123] How can one who,
to draw breath himself think of preventing another by a murderous act,
from doing the same? Whatever wishes one entertains with respect to one's
own self, one should certainly cherish with respect to another. With the
surplus wealth one may happen to own one should relieve the wants of the
indigent. It is for this reason that the Creator ordained the practice of
increasing one's wealth (by trade or laying it out at interest).[1124]
One should walk along that path by proceeding along which one may hope to
meet with the