Subhashitam

DISCERNMENT

उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये।

पयःपानं भुज गानां केवलं विषवर्धनं॥

Repetition of truth to the unwise only feeds their wrath. Words are weapons in wrong hands. Milk to serpents is not kindness — it’s fuel for their sting.

Translation

"Advice given to fools only serves to provoke them and does not bring peace; just as milk given to a snake only increases its venom."

Context

This shloka is typically used in discussions about wisdom, knowledge, and the futility of trying to advise individuals who lack understanding or are unwilling to accept guidance. It is relevant in educational, philosophical, and moral contexts, emphasising the importance of discernment in addressing foolishness.

Detailed Explanation

The shloka articulates a profound observation about the nature of advising foolish individuals. The first part notes that offering counsel or direction (उपदेशो) to those classified as मूर्खाणां (fools) will not yield beneficial results but will instead incite their anger (प्रकोपाय). Such advice does not bring about शान्तये (peace).

The second part draws a metaphor with the example of पयः (milk) being offered to a [भुज गानां] (snakes). The act of giving milk does not pacify the snake; instead, it enhances its natural venom (विषवर्धनं), leading to greater harm. This metaphor strongly conveys that attempts to placate or educate the foolish can lead to greater hostility or complications.

Significance

This shloka is important as it teaches that wisdom lies in choosing the right recipients for advice. It warns against futile attempts to change or educate those who are obstinately ignorant. The lesson emphasises the value of appropriateness in counsel-giving and reflects on the broader theme of ensuring that educational or enlightening efforts are directed toward willing and capable learners. Furthermore, it highlights that sometimes, serving certain entities (like the snake) could exacerbate underlying issues rather than resolve them, encouraging a careful evaluation of context and readiness to accept guidance.

The Sage and the Scorpion

In a quiet village by the forest lived an elderly sage, known for his wisdom and compassion. People from faraway places came to seek his guidance. The sage believed in sharing knowledge, but he also believed in discernment.

One day, a scorpion fell into a river near the ashram. Seeing it struggle, the sage lowered a leaf to help it climb out. As soon as the scorpion reached the surface, it stung the sage’s finger.

A disciple cried out, “Gurudev! Why help it again? It harmed you!”

Ignoring the pain, the sage tried once more. Again, the scorpion stung him. Blood trickled down the sage’s hand. The disciple, now angry, said,

“You are giving kindness where it is not understood. Your help only strengthens its cruelty.”

The sage paused. He gently placed a wooden plank on the water surface so that the scorpion could crawl out without touching him. Once free, the scorpion disappeared into the bushes.

Turning to the disciple, the sage said,

“Compassion should never blind wisdom. If my hand becomes the reason for harm, I must change the method—or step away.”

Later that evening, a proud villager came to the ashram. He asked for advice but mocked every suggestion, arguing loudly and twisting every word to prove himself right. The disciple waited for the sage to respond.

But this time, the sage remained silent.

The disciple asked, “Why help the scorpion and not speak to this man?”

The sage replied calmly:

“Milk nourishes the body, but poured into poison, it only strengthens the venom. Advice is the same. When the mind is closed, words become fuel for anger.”

Moral (linked directly to the shloka)

उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये।

पयःपानं भुजगानां केवलं विषवर्धनम्॥

Advice given to the unwise does not bring peace—it provokes anger, just as milk fed to a snake only increases its poison.

Discernment means the ability to judge well—to understand things clearly and make wise, thoughtful decisions, especially in situations where the right choice is not obvious.

Simple Meaning

Discernment = knowing what is right, appropriate, or necessary in a given situation

In Easy Words

It is the skill of thinking carefully, seeing the difference between right and wrong, and deciding when to act, speak, or remain silent.

Example

A teacher explains a concept in detail to a curious student but chooses silence when someone only wants to argue. This is discernment.

Offering advice only to those willing to listen shows discernment.

In the Context of the Shloka:

Discernment teaches us that not everyone is ready to receive advice. Wisdom lies not just in speaking truth, but in knowing when, how, and to whom to speak.